The reclining position is best while drinking beer and fishing and let's not forget a fine cigar as well. Never kayak for exercise or sport, it's purely a recreational floating device. The paddles are to swat critters or other nefarious individuals.

I have kayaked for around 20 years and this is great and clear advice. If I could add anything it would be to find a safe and shallow area close to shore and deliberately capsize yourself. Then figure out ways to get back into your kayak. It's awkward and takes some time but once you have the ability you'll be so much safer out on the water.

I have been a "newbie" kayaker for several years. But, recently retired and really want to move past the point of feeling like a beginner. As I watched this video, I saw so many mistakes that I personally make. I am excited to get out over the next few months and apply what I have just learned. Thanks sooooo much!

As far as getting into a kayak I would recommend that new kayakers straddle the kayak in the water with the nose pointed towards the waves. Then plop their butt in the seat and begin paddling. Then once you have some forward momentum move your legs into the cockpit. Getting in parallel to the shore is fine for flat water but if you are in a place like Oahu where there are waves it's better to have the nose pointed towards the waves. I have seen so many people have their kayak roll onto to them with the kayak parallel to the wave action.

My first time Kayaking and this Kayak held strong. kzfaq.infoUgkx4k5UrhC3v_Y4hIEaXLGvHcN5a5aBmZNB The water got pretty rough as a speed boat zipped by me, and the Kayak withstood it (I expected to be capsized). The Ores are very easy to put together, the pump worked beautifully. the seats are a bit hard to sit in after a while (I recommend sitting on the floor). after reading the reviews I was very scared it'd get a hole in it, the material is very strong and durable. The Air valve may need a small Phillips head screwdriver to adjust, other than that, it's well worth the money!(update)I've gone Kayaking in 3 Lakes and 2 rivers totaling about 40 miles. the kayak had two holes and they patched easily and no other problems can't wait for kayaking season this year!

Near the end Dan showed how not to exit at the ramp. He tilted and and put his hand in the water to get his balance. I did the same thing as a beginner only in salt water. The water was cold and I didn’t know that my hand hit an oyster shell until I saw the blood running down my arm. So, keep a small towel in the dry bag Dan mentioned. You might need it for more than getting wet. I carry a small first kit in it also.

This is my very first comment on any KZfaq video. As a kayak instructor with around 20 years of whitewater and flat water experience, I really appreciate this video. It is simple, humble, and accurate. Kayaking can be challenging. It is also physically, mentally, and spiritually rewarding. The examples and advice in this video are spot on and nearly anyone getting started with paddling will have a much more enjoyable experience with these pointers.

Concise ,specific , no BS to have to wade through. I gotta say one of the best tutorial videos I've seen . Well done !

I’ve been both flat water and white water kayaking for many years, and everything talked about is spot on. Even though I’m experienced, I am a complete klutz in getting into and out of the kayak. He showed me just what I was doing wrong (I had to laugh at myself) and what to do right. Great video and thanks for posting it.

Do poke fun at us! This is is mistake number 0: treating oneself too seriously. I am a beginner, and although i started well prepared, I made lots of mistakes. It was funny. I was funny. I had fun. I had a ton of fun while the river had some fun with me. I highly recommend this. 😂

There are so many mistakes newbies make as we all have. One I try to instill in people is to lightly grip the paddle in your hands. Most new kayakers have a death grip on it as if their life depended on it. This will wear you out in short order. They go home after paddling less than two hours and feel like they just got done doing a PX90 work out . Most beginners will start on flat water so there is no need for a tight grip. My grips will change slightly depending on water and weather condition but my techniques will stay the same. I have kayaked for 30 yrs now and most of my paddling is long distance touring. I have never suffered any injury in my wrist or arms from paddling. Like others have said kayaking should be enjoyable not a chore . As you increase in skills you can push yourself to more advanced waters if you wish. I really enjoyed your video. You mentioned pulling on the blade that's in the water while pushing on the opposite end and rotating at the waist at the same time. Keep your eyes focused on the direction you are heading. Great advise. I always try to help people if I see these common mistakes. I don't want someone giving up before they have a chance to truly experience the joys of paddling. Thanks again.

You’re such a natural with teaching. How articulate and clear you are helps us beginners understand you very well. Your assertive voice shows how confident you are in your paddle boarding skills. I’m kayaking with a group tomorrow, it’d be my 2nd or 3rd time ever, I’m sure these tips will make my experience better, I took down notes as you spoke. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

My personal best kayak exit was in a sea kayak, I did a super slick paddle lean stabilizer move and looked super cool, took one step towards the front of the boat to move it to shore, realized both my legs had fallen asleep and immediately fell on my face in the Pacific Ocean.

I love how you started out with the paddle backwards. I don't know how many times I have told kayak rookies to turn it over and then I show them how to efficiently paddle. Most people do what you do in the beginning of the video and short stroke the paddle.

This is the best kayak video I've ever seen on KZfaq. My only extra tip would be if you have an option always go up wind or up current at the beginning so you can come back with the wind and current.

I’ve been paddling for about four years now and I love it! I wasn’t able to get out on the water all of last year due to injury and taking care of my 91 year old father as he transitioned. I decided to pickup up an Oru Inlet this Christmas as a gift to myself after a trying year. I watched this video as a refresher and while I was aware of most of those mistakes, the most help today was getting out of the boat with bad knees. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

I am a very very very.... did I say VERY?!?! newbie kayaker. I have only kayaked twice, including yesterday. I went with a Meet-Up kayaking group, and I made every single mistake you discussed. Ughhhh. Embarrassing. I had the hardest time figuring out how to get in and out of the kayak and really made a spectacle of myself. There were some helpful people in the group, who thankfully, helped me (probably giggling under their breath). But I am going to try your getting in & out technique tomorrow, with another group I'm going to kayak with. Hey, just because I'm a derp on a kayak, doesn't mean I don't want to keep trying - LOL! Thank you for the pointers.

Thankyou Dan, I used to be a white water boater years ago and needed some refreshing. Now that I'm older seeing your tips brought back my memories.

I've been to several Kayak courses and am a pretty confident paddler. I'm 63 so not as nimble as I used to be. Getting in the boat has become easier but it's always been getting out that's been my Achilles heel. I've got a 10 day trip coming up in a week and I'm going to try the deeper water exit first thing! Thanks for the fun and informative video!

New user of a folding kayak , this is the best summary i’ve come across. Thanks! I’m still mastering getting out!

Got a kayak for Christmas and so glad I watched this video. I wanted to be ready for my first attempt going out. Thanks for the great tips!

That's the first video I saw where someone uses the paddle this way to get out of the kayak. I figured this out by myself years ago, but I always thought I was doing it wrong, as no other paddle KZfaqr showed it that way. But I could never cope with their methods. So now I am delighted that "my" method is also a legit way of getting out of the kayak. Thanks a lot!

One of the best shows you have done on this subject! So helpful. Thank you.

This is one of the best intro’s to Kayaking I have seen on the web. Clear concise and to the point.

This was great! I got a kayak for my birthday and made every single mistake mentioned! I'm going to practice the basic stroke and in/out procedure. YOU ROCK!!! THANK YOU(:

I might go kayaking for the first time this week. This video made me more comfortable. Thank you!

Thank you for your videos! We are buying our first “entry level” kayaks, and really enjoy your tips and information on all aspects of kayaks!

Excellent video. All killer, no filler. Easily one of the best beginner kayak videos I’ve seen. Thanks!

As someone who has had 2 hip replacements and a knee ACL replacement surgery, I am very appreciative of your visual display on how to exit the boat using deeper water so the knees are under you and aren't so high past 90 degrees. Thank you so much!

Thank you for the video! About to take my kayak out for the first time tomorrow and was happy to learn some key pointers. I like that you add some humor in! Great video

I started kayaking a couple of years ago. Too old and not interested in whitewater, I am fortunate to have a very long river in my area that is not too wild. I have 2 angler (sit on) kayaks (lifetime tamaracks) that I have run 40 miles on of that river. There was some white caps that got us pretty wet in a couple of places and rushing areas that scraped us against some rocks on the bank, but it was all in good fun. One lesson I learned quickly is once you have committed to the current there is no turning back. Paddle on ! I don't skimp on safety. I cover my skin from the sun (brimmed hat, long shirt and river pants that zip off and on at the knees) and have an Onyx vest with pockets for whistle, firestarter, emergency blanket, knife, and maybe some small thing I might want to take (camera, headlight or head bug net). I got the longer paddles, which work really good and also keep me dry on cooler days. I will not take any person with me that will not put on a life vest. I have had so much fun on that river. Islands to stop on, wildlife all over, watched deer swim across, most people on the river are fairly friendly, everything looks so different from the water. I had to give up dirt bike riding because of old and broken body syndrome and this is what I turned to for adventure. I would recommend kayaking to anyone looking for some adventure, but I would also say, if you are going on a river KNOW it first. Drive and explore every place you can see the river from, walk some of the bank and wade in the current so you know what to expect. Talk to others on the river or who have kayaked it. Also (hard learned lesson for me), if there is an upriver dam, find out what the flow rates are for each day of the week. Go to the dams flowrate page to see this, nothing else has that info. Check the day you are going also, you will want to know how fast and high that river is running that day, believe this, it makes a difference. Do not find out like I did. I have also paddled lakes, big and small. Some of the big ones on a windy day can have very large waves. It has been an absolute blast. I never leave my safety gear behind, my kayak is set up to take camping gear and a small cooler if I want, my friends know my rule about vests ahead of time so there is never an argument, I know my weight limit on my kayak and I know the flow rate of the river or weather conditions of any lake I go on before I go. It is so much fun. I wish everyone could have this experience. Play hard everyone, but play safe.

51 and new to kayaking… thanks for making this video. Great info!

Thanks for great ideas. Can't wait to try getting in off a dock with the paddle behind me. It's the trickiest part! You did not mention another common mistake- dropping your paddle or letting go the boat when you get out and letting it float away! I made myself a paddle tether, which also helps with getting in and out from a dock, as you can hook the paddle shaft behind a cleat.

Best kayaking videos I’ve seen. Reviews are excellent. I’ve learned so much. Thanks for making them! -Paul

Thank you. Subscribed. Went out on the water the first time yesterday (memorial day) on new kayaks and? We did good. Especially for newbies. I grew up canoeing so it wasn’t entirely alien to me however, your tips on stroke, posture, paddle grip and maneuvering are all great things I need to focus on to get the best out of my kayak. Great post. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Taking a 101 course tomorrow with my wife who has never had formal training but been kayaking for about 5 years. This is very helpful!

Thank you for the tips for getting in and out, I seriously love kayaking and now I know how to get in and out correctly!

Thank you for this video, I rarely get to have the chance to kayak every year since I don’t have one of my own & That I can only be able to use a kayak whenever I’m at my Lake House. But I will still be using these strategies to help me use my Kayak more better every time I come to my Lake house. Thank you. Love from NYC

Amazing video. Your presentation was awesome, you weren’t condescending just straight facts and terrific tips. We just purchased our first pair of kayaks last weekend and after watching this episode I’ve already subscribed to your channel and look forward to watching your other videos. Thanks so much for creating this.

Wow! What a great and informative video for novice kayakers like myself. This was very helpful and I’m going to save the video for future reference. This was good advice on how to enter and exit your kayak, how to turn, and how to maximize paddling strokes practicing good posture. Thanks!

The tip for getting into the kayak from a dock was so good. I got wet and inverted when I tried it previously. Thank you!

I have just started kayaking and I really appreciate the way you demonstrate and explain what you are teaching. 👍🏻

Just bought kayaks for the family. This is such an informative video. Thank you!

Thank you so much for this vid. You're such a great teacher! Clear descriptions, demonstrations, etc. Thank you!

Really appreciate the entering/exiting the kayak segments. That is the hardest part for me.

I have made all of those mistakes lol...especially the getting out part. Not as flexible anymore so this will help. Love your videos!

I just got my first canoe. Thanks for the tips. Especially the life vest.

I bought a lifetime fishing kayak this February. The lakes are FROZEN right now, these videos are what’s keeping me happy. I can’t wait to go paddle this thing.

Dan, thank you for this video. I'm 62 and have been canoeing for years. I want to Kayak and your information makes me confident I can start the right way. Great information!!

Best instructional info available! So glad they where available when I started out paddling ☺️ entertaining at times as well! 🤣🙌🏻

You did such a great job illustrating these mistakes and corrections. Well done sir. I appreciate your efforts thank you.

Thank you for producing that video, it is very helpful! I always found getting in and out of the kayak the hardest thing for me to do. Does tips will surely help me!

I have been kayaking for several years and still found some helpful hints. I really want to try the deeper water exit. Thanks for a to the point video and I will be looking forward to more.

I’m kayaking for the first time! I got a new kayak, thank you for all the tips ! Thank you for your time!!!

Thank you. I've only kayaked once. Getting in and out was rough. Great information about the lifejacket

No BS, informative & helpful. Well done.

Bought my kayak last year after watching many of your helpful videos. Haven’t dumped yet! Thanks for the great tips.

Got my kayak in 2006 and learned most of what’s outlined here on my own but I did learn something from you on getting in and out from a dock. I usually tether a rope from the cleat to the dock and then get in the janky way but will try it your way. 👍🏻 Thanks Dan love the channel!

Just picked this boat up, third yak for me. Handles rivers excellently, very predictable! Threw a anchor on the front with some sailing rigging to keep it steady in the holes, a finder, front trolling holder and a small motor w/internal rigging for fishing. Love it!

Thanks for another great video. I would patronize your shop but I live in Georgia. Learned a lot from you. Chose my starter kayak (field and stream blade 9 foot) based on advice from your video 2 years ago. Tks for all the great teaching.

15:15 - THIS!!!!! IT'S LIKE MAGIC. like stepping out of the limo. Dan & Seth once again for the win.

Great info! How do you get out onto a deck or pier if there isn't a ramp or shoreline?

Getting in and out of kayak was the best part. Thank you!

Loved this! Straight forward and to the point. Super helpful tips! Thank you!!

What a great sum of knowledge! You talked about all these mistakes in your other videos but having it so condensed is pure gold. I wish I saw this video before my first kayaking session :)

Thanks for the video, the PFD is definitely something I need to look into, I always thought they just were too tiny to support me. Looking forward to looking at your other videos.

We are now embarking on our both first experience of kayaking. Sitting in truck watching you one last time eating chicken salad sandwiches. The only thing we don't have is your sticker on our brand new boats, which I ordered a couple of days ago. Thank you for all your time and effort on these videos.

Excellent video. I have kayaked before but did not know most of these tips! Thank you for sharing.

Thanks. This was really helpful. I've been kayaking for years and I learned a few things.

As a beginner, there is so much great info in here that I never even thought to consider. Great video, cheers!

Glad you mentioned the sunburn... My first day on the water (in my life) was a blast.... the next day... pure hell. My legs were straight up red. I peeled for weeks.

This has helped me enormously, thank you kindly.

Excellent! Very informative especially helpful for exiting with bad knees !,

Great video, very helpful, thanks! Will go kayaking again this Sunday ☺️

I see a lot of these at the boat ramp where I guide and I hate hearing people dragging their kayaks across the ramp and parking lot. I finally got the Bending Branches Navigator paddle and I love it. Thanks for the videos and helping me become a better paddler over the years.

Thank you so much for not only the video, but the detailed information and explanations for the beginner!!

The first kayak I bought is the Intex K2 inflatable since I don't have room to store it at my house. Cool thing is that it comes with a skeg instead of a molded keel. I definitely need to upgrade on the paddles and I'm planning to get a Sevylor tandem inflatable kayak. The first time I launched my kayak was not on the launch ramp for boats, I actually set the kayak on the side on the ramp and just climbed in and pushed off from there

I have been wading through many beginners kayaking videos but only two were useful while others were too quick like 3-6 minutes. Yours by far the most informative. Thanks.

You guys are awesome. Will be purchasing my first Kayak soon and so glad I found this channel beforehand. Thanks for the great content.

Thank you So very MUCH!!! This is an amazing video, very helpful! Thanks again! We’ll be looking at other videos!

Looks like your video has inspired many including myself. Thank you for showing us. This is very inspiring. Inspiration is a gift from those that want others to have enjoyment. 🙏

Great video! I think this will help prevent me from getting "dunked". Thanks so much!

The first time I got into a kayak was on my local canal. Getting in was fairly easy and I had a great time. Unfortunately I never planned how I was going to get out. Luckily for me there was a man walking his dog who asked if I needed assistance. I told him it's fine as its my first time doing it and he was welcome to watch and laugh. I used pure ego to lift myself out of the kayak and flop like a dead fish onto the canal side. I didn't get wet and the witness was impressed. Moral of the story is plan everything before you start even the getting out of the boat.

Thanks for the video. My wife got me one for Christmas. Very excited!!!

I learned how to kayak on my own with my sit on top 12ft kayak. I flipped it on my first day out to practice re-entering and I stayed in about 6 ft of water, I'm 6'4. I practiced maneuvers, and other basic stuff. Now I've been yaking for over 800 hours now on the water and never once accidentally flipped. The one con is that my seat in the high position is still too low for a person my size to be able to stand up. So I measured the dimensions with my seating using trigonometry and I am gonna get something to be able to raise the seat up a couple of inches higher.

Personally loved the silliness of the begining! And also appreciated the safety and gear info, no joke about that. Great vid

This video was great. I’m a fairly new kayaker (1 year) and happy to see that I am doing a few things correctly. 🙂. The part about having a kayaking life vest, if I’d only known. Great segment. I need to look for one. My current vest does all the things you mention. Also appreciated the last technique for getting out of your kayak by going into a little deeper water and saving your knees. Thanks

Great video. Proper explanation of all techniques in single video

I newly opened my Kayaking centre and I was looking for a short and simple briefing Video to train my staff, and this is spot on! I really liked this simple humble Video. Thanks a lot for making this Video.

This was actually useful! Thank you. I got the right life jacket and man what a difference, I can move and breathe and it's adjustable. I'm very new and only have a sit on top fishing kayak. Great advice thank you. I got a small kayak for my kid and my God it's hard to steer because it has no keel!

I'm thinking of getting into kayaking Thanks I needed this video.

Some very good points. Paddle, inexpensive not cheap. If you decide that kayaking is going to be a passion you can always upgrade

Gosh. I have done so many of these mistakes. Great video for newbies like me.

Good basic tips. One tip for kayaking on the beach of near running water is that if you find yourself broadside to an ocean wave or a standing wave in a river, lean your kayak away from it instead of the instinctual response which is to lean into it.

Oh my goodness this video is so helpful! Thanks so much and a new subbie here. Great content!

Great job teaching the fundamentals! Been kayaking a long time but it reminded me of things I should or shouldn't do.

Wow, every boat manufacturer should make this required watching! So many boats and paddles hanging in Garages around the country, never getting back to the water because shops make it about the Sale instead of about the on the water experience! Those mistakes can really haunt you and build a negative relationship with your gear and the sport. What is great is he makes it obvious it is just not that hard or expensive to have a GREAT time. Great video, thanks!

Great info on getting in from the launch pad - bc I was doing what you stated: the awkward, unbalanced way. 😂

That would be me getting out the kayak 😅😅😅 thanks for the video. Great info!!

Wow, what an informative and well done video. Can't wait to get into the kayak again and not end up embarrassing myself getting in and out (throwing myself in the water) of the kayak! Thanks so much.