Stohlquist Cruiser Women’s PFD Review

I got the Stohlquist Cruiser PFD a while back and wanted to really wear it in a few different water and weather conditions before giving my review.  After multiple uses I feel very confident that the Cruiser is a well fitted and comfortable lifejacket that is well made to suit most women’s bodies.

I initially chose the Stohlquist Cruiser for several reasons:

• The biggest reason was that I wanted a PFD made for me and not a unisex model.

• This particular lifejacket has mesh on the side panels as well as on the lower half back area which makes it ideal for hot weather

• There are two big pockets on the front that can fit my camera and other things I want to keep close by.

• It has extra wide armholes – there is nothing worse than a PFD that is tight around the arms and restricts movement.

• It is made with hand-scupted PVC-free front foam with supportive inner cups – no PVC means better for the environment.

• It has several great colours to choose from.

The Fit of the Stohlquist Cruiser

I was really impressed with the fit.  It is the first PFD I have worn that did not feel really bulky.  It is easy to put on with the zippered front and it was very comfortable and easily adjustable. I found that it did conform to my body far better than any PFD I had every worn prior and it felt good when sitting in my kayak seat.

I did find that I had to pull the back down once while I was paddling as it had ridden up slightly but that also likely had to do with the back of my seat and my shifting around… so wasn’t a big deal. 

Also the padded shoulders and waist belt were really comfortable.  The armholes were large enough that I didn’t feel restricted at all and it did not rub or irritate my skin which was my main concern.

The mesh siding is fantastic.  I am notorious for complaining about being too hot in my PFD.  I hate the feeling of sweating in my lifejacket while out paddling in hot weather.  It was a really nice change to actually be able to ‘breathe’ in my lifejacket with the mesh siding and back.

I got the Cruiser in two different colours, the pink and the blue although it is also available in other colours.  The colours are a nice shade and I think look good on the water. 

I have lent out my second one to a couple of different friends and they also found that the PFD was very comfortable.  Although my PFD is a small I found that it can be adjusted quite a bit at the shoulders, chest and waist to suit different body shapes. 

The Pockets

I was very pleased that the pockets were as big as they looked in the pictures.  I could easily fit my camera in one and my snacks in the other.  You would also easily be able to fit your cell phone, keys, or other necessities if you needed to.  I have used these pockets each time I have gone out so I think they are very handy.

My Pictures:

Click the pictures to see larger view on Flickr.

Stohlquist Cruiser PFD Stats:

• Buoyancy 16 lbs. 12 oz.
• 500 denier Cordura shell
• 200 denier oxford liner
• Front zipper entry with #5 YKK non-corroding slider
• Hand sculpted front foam with supportive inner cups
• Extra wide armholes and cool mesh side panels
• Adjustable neoprene-padded shoulders
• Cinch harness system
• 1.5” webbing waist belt with forward pulls
• Zippered bellows pockets with drainage
• High waistline cut
• #10 YKK Vision front zip entry
• 4-way accessory lash tab
• 3M reflective trim front and back
• PVC-free Gaia foam
• US Coast Guard and Transport Canada approved

Although I have only used this PFD for kayaking, I would imagine that it would be fine for many different types of water activity.  However if you are paddling it is best suited for ocean or lakes… not whitewater.

The Stohlquist Cruiser is Available at:

The best prices I have found are at:

• Amazon.com – Stohlquist Cruiser PFD
• REI.com – Stohlquist Cruiser PFD

Build your Kayak Safety Kit

Kayak safety is obviously an important issue if you are going to do any paddling. If you have the proper safety kit on board you can feel confident that you are ready to deal with any challenge that comes your way.

For paddling on open water such as on lakes or on the ocean there are 5 key items you need to include in your kayak safety kit:

Safety Kit Essentials

1. Kayak Bilge Pump

A bilge pump is important because it will help rid your kayak of water if it should capsize or get hit by a big wave. An inflatable kayak is not going to sink even when filled up with water however it will become near impossible to paddle unless you can get the water out of the kayak.

If an accident occurs and your kayak fills up with water you will have to use a bilge pump in order to empty the kayak of water so that you can continue on along your way. A bilge pump is extremely light weight and easy to use and should be kept in every kayak.

A smart idea is to have your bilge pump somehow attached to your kayak, either with tie down bungees or in a bag that is tied to the kayak. That way if your kayak should capsize you will not lose the pump!

2. Whistle

Your whistle should be attached to your PFD. You may never have to use it but if you are ever in an emergency situation and you need to somehow attract attention to yourself, you are going to be very happy that you have a whistle.

Often with the noise of the water, the waves, and the wind it can be difficult for your voice to be heard. A whistle however is much more likely to draw attention to you.

3. Paddle Float

A paddle float is used if you have capsized and need to re-enter your kayak from the water. It slips onto one of the blades of your paddle and is used to help steady the kayak so that you can climb back in.

You may not find a need for a paddle float for re-entering your kayak from calm water, however if you are in heavy wind or choppy waves, the paddle float will become essential.

4. Paddle Leash

A paddle leash can be used in two different ways:

1. You can use it to attach the paddle to your wrist
2. Or you can use it to attach the paddle to the hull of your kayak

The purpose of course is to stop you from losing your paddle (It can also be a good idea to have a spare 4 piece paddle tucked away in a bag on your kayak). In high winds or choppy water, if you drop your paddle in the water it will be swept away much faster than you would be able to reach it.

If you capsize and you lose your paddle you are in big trouble. Without your paddle there is no way to manoeuver your kayak. However, if you capsize and hold on to your paddle but your kayak gets swept away in the wind or in the waves then you are in even bigger trouble.

For this reason I personally like the idea of attaching my paddle to my kayak. However you will need to make sure that if you should tip you do not let go of the paddle. Otherwise you could be without kayak or paddle.

A paddle leash is especially useful when kayaking in heavy winds or rough seas or if you are doing some kayak photography where there is a good possibility of dropping your paddle in the water.

5. Signal Mirror

I don’t normally bring a signal mirror along with me on my kayaking trips; however I am learning that it can be a very important safety tool. Your whistle will assure that you are heard but the signal mirror will assure that you are seen and is a good idea for paddling in open water.

A signal mirror works like this:

• You hold the back of the mirror close to one of your eyes
• Then you reflect sunlight into your hand
• Then you look through the inner hole in the mirror and you will see a red spot
• You can move the red spot to the target where you want to signal
• The red spot is an optical illusion created by the red reflective material that surrounds the inner hole in the mirror

Build Your Own or Buy Pre-Made

Each of the above items can be acquired separately and then either attached to you or stored in a dry bag on your kayak. Just make sure the bag is secured to your kayak somehow so that if you should capsize you won’t lose all your important safety items.

If you would like to buy a pre-made safety package NRS has two great options:

• A deluxe touring safety kit that includes each of these five items plus a boat sponge (which is not essential for safety but really helps to mop up water on the floor of your kayak – I use mine all the time).

• Or a basic touring safety kit that includes a whistle, a paddle float, a bilge pump and a boat sponge.

Their safety kit comes in a yellow mesh deck bag that has reflective tape on it and corner clips that can clip onto your d-rings or your bungee cords.  A safety kit will make sure you are totally prepared for any common emergency you may encounter.

Tips to Launch your Inflatable Kayak in Heavy Surf

If you have mostly kayaked on flat calm water with little to no surf then it can be a bit intimidating to try launching your inflatable kayak in white capped swells.

If the surf is heavy you may have visions of yourself and your kayak being swamped with water, toppling over or swept right back up the beach. However with a few easy tips and techniques this is very doable and can be extremely fun.

Below are some proven tricks as well as safety precautions for launching your inflatable kayak in heavy surf.

Safety Precautions First

One thing about launching your kayak in heavy surf is that it takes a little bit of strength and focus. For this reason I would not recommend attempting this without the help of a guide if:

• you have never kayaked before
• you are with children
• you have not checked the weather report – 5 foot swells could mean a heavy storms a brewin’
• you tire easily
• you have not built up your kayaking muscles

This is not to say you must be a body-builder to launch in heavy surf… not at all. I simply want to point out that you may want to build yourself up a bit with some flat water kayaking before you go for the gusto and take on this challenge.

Preparing For the Launch

Below are two key steps to prepare for your launch before you get in the water.

1. First choose your launching spot wisely. Try and get yourself to the highest vantage point where you are able to see the majority of the beach. Look for the area that seems to have the least powerful surf. If you are not able to get up high enough to survey the beach then you may need to walk a bit from one end to the other.
   
   The shallowness or depth of the water will greatly determine the size of the surf. Therefore you are looking for the deepest end with the least amount of waves. This will be your easiest launching point.
2. If there is no such point on the beach where the waves are slightly less powerful and you are not comfortable with the strength of the surf, then pack up and try another day. Do not hesitate to turn around if you are feeling uncomfortable. After all there will be many more days to kayak and you want to make sure you are around to enjoy them!

Launching Your Inflatable Kayak

If you are lucky enough to find a decent launch spot for your inflatable kayak the below tips will help you successfully tackle the surf and make sure you get to enjoy a day of paddling.

• Your success is going to depend on your stability as well as in maintaining a strong forward motion.

• Avoid the wave at its break. Get yourself in position and when the wave starts to come towards you, paddle as hard as you can to get over the hump before the wave breaks. This is the toughest and most important part and can take some practice. It is recommended to practice this technique on small easy waves first so you get the timing down right.

• The crest of the swell is not a problem and if you get your timing right you will find yourself punching right through it. What you don’t want is to get caught up in the break as this is where you will lose all control. So the key is to hit the wave before it breaks.

• However if you get the timing wrong and you realize you are about to be caught in the break then paddle like crazy to try and get yourself over the crest so hopefully you don’t get completely swamped.

• Kayaking in surf is almost an art in itself and each wave will be a little different. You will find with practice that you will be able to predict the break of the wave and your timing will become intuitive and fluid.

• Remember to always take the waves head on. If your kayak is turned even slightly left or right there will be more of a chance of getting swamped and toppled.

Once you perfect these techniques you will be able to not only launch your inflatable kayak in heavy surf but also enjoy some kayak surfing which for those who have never tried before is absolutely exhilarating and fun.

If you are having problems, watch what other more experienced paddlers are doing to get their kayak over the crest and if you are still uncomfortable try again another day with smaller waves.

See our Top 5 Inflatable Kayaks for popular models and reviews.

Inflatable Kayak Q & A

The popularity of paddling an inflatable kayak is rising as more and more people understand how convenient, affordable and fun they are to use. If you are new to the inflatable kayak world you may have several questions that need to be answered.

Below are five of the most asked inflatable kayak questions:

1. Are inflatable kayaks durable?

The durability of inflatable kayaks can vary greatly depending on the make, model, kayak material and method of construction. As a general rule the kayaks constructed today are extremely durable. In fact they are often used by outfitters to take groups of people down raging rivers where safety and durability are of prime importance.

If you have never used or had any experience with an inflatable kayak you may not be aware of how rigid they are. A decent to good quality inflatable is extremely hard to puncture and with a little care can last a lifetime with very little wear and tear.

The strongest inflatable kayak materials are known to be PVC, Hypalon and Nitrylon. When researching the different models keep in mind the higher the denier count, the stronger the material will be. If you stick with the well known brands such as NRS, AIRE, Sea Eagle, Innova, Advanced Elements, Airis, etc. you will not have any problems with durability.

2. Are inflatable kayaks slow to paddle?

You will likely be amazed as I was at just how fast an inflatable kayak can be paddled. I spent the majority of my life paddling hard-shell kayaks. I have paddled good ones and bad ones and all different types. Some were fast, some were not fast at all. Some had great tracking, some were awful to paddle. An inflatable kayak will be very similar. The speed and quality of the tracking will totally depend on the design and features of the model you choose.

If speed is a factor for you then read the reviews carefully as you can get a good idea at how well they paddle from the viewpoints of others. A kayak with a skeg or a rudder will typically provide better tracking which means that it will require less effort from you to stay straight on course.

3. Is an inflatable kayak stable?

Yes they are extremely stable. The majority of the inflatables I have paddled would be very difficult to tip. Some of them are so stable you can even stand in them. Typically the wider the kayak, the more stable it is, so if stability is a huge factor for you then read the width stats on our inflatable kayak comparison charts to make sure you know what you are getting.

4. Can an inflatable kayak sink if it gets a leak?

I have never heard of an inflatable kayak sinking. Usually there are multiple air chambers so if you do get a tear it only affects one air chamber. This means that it may cripple the performance of your kayak but it will not sink you. You will have no problem getting back to shore to repair the leak (which is easily done with the accessories provided in the repair kit that comes with each kayak).

Leaks can happen but are not as common as you might think. It takes a very sharp object to be able to penetrate the material used in most good quality inflatable kayaks. They are extremely safe and even when filled with water they will not sink.

5. Is an inflatable kayak hard to care for?

One of the best things about an inflatable is that it is extremely convenient to use and easy to care for. When deflating, you simply need to dry it out with a towel, roll it up and store it away in its carry bag. There is very little upkeep to owning an inflatable. Store it away from extreme heat or cold and make sure it is fully dry before putting it away for a season (so as to prevent mold) and you will have no problems.

I would suggest using a 303 UV protectant spray now and again to keep the material strong from exposure to the elements.

To find the right model for you see our inflatable kayak reviews.

Top 6 Boating Safety Tips

Proper boating safety is usually improved upon as you develop more boating experience.  I think soaking up as much knowledge as you can before you head out on the water is the safest thing you can do in order to keep yourself, your passengers and your boat safe.

The below boating safety tips can be applied to any type of boat including kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, fishing boats, rafts or power boats… be they inflatable or hard-shells.

6 Important Boating Safety Tips

These tips will make all your boating trips safe and happy ones. Be sure that all your passengers understand the rules as well.

1. Make a point of learning about the legal requirements in your state or province. For example the legal age limit as well as the education requirements needed (if any).
2. Take a safety course for the type of boating you will be doing. After you have taken the course you can practice on quiet waterways before taking on busier more congested areas.
3. Always wear a PFD (personal flotation device) while on any type of watercraft. Make sure that all passengers within your boat are wearing a PFD including any animals.
4. Never consume alcohol while operating a boat or before heading out to the water. We all know that even a small amount of alcohol can affect your decision making skills. This can especially be a problem if combined with the hot sun and dehydration.
5. Keep a safe distance from all other boats and always be aware of what is in the water around you. Whether you are in a self-powered boat such as a kayak or a gas powered motor boat, be aware of your surroundings and steer clear of any other erratic drivers. If you are driving a power boat keep in mind that it takes a lot longer to stop than a motor vehicle does.
6. Keep your passengers within the maximum occupancy number. Too many passengers equal definite problems. Boats allot a maximum passenger number for good reason.

Staying educated on boating safety is the best way to keep your outings on the water enjoyable and safe. If you are interested in getting an inflatable boat that is easy to store away, transport and fun to use please see our inflatable boat reviews for more information on the different options available.

Kayaking Safety Protocol

I live close to Okanagan Lake which is 135 km long, 4-5 km wide and has a surface area of 351 km. This lake is extremely popular in the summer months with locals and tons of tourists. It is FULL of speed boats, sail boats, kayakers, wakeboarders, water skiers, etc.

Although I prefer a less populated and noisy waterway, I do kayak this lake often as it is so close to where I live.

This summer Lake Okanagan has proved to be deadly for many unfortunate boaters and kayakers. There has been so many drownings, accidents and deaths that it has prompted me to write a short post on kayaking safety protocol.

PFD’s Are a Necessity

Most of the deaths have been because people were not wearing a lifejacket. The number of boaters and kayakers who have sadly died on Lake Okanagan this year because they were not wearing a lifejacket is staggering. In fact the numbers have been so high that the police are now patrolling the lake and handing out very expensive tickets to those who are not wearing a PFD.

No one ever thinks that they are going to fall out of their boat, tip their kayak or have some kind of freak accident while enjoying the water… but it happens and most of the deaths could have been prevented had they been wearing a lifejacket.

Speed Boat Terror

The other type of accident that has occurred too many times this years is kayakers have been literally run over by a speed boat. As someone who is used to kayaking around speed boats, this absolutely freaks me out.

As kayakers we have no control over the other boats we are sharing the water with. Unfortunately some speed boat owners seem to forget that they share the water with others. In the past two weeks alone, two completely innocent kayakers were hit by speed boats that were driving recklessly on Okanagan Lake. One person is still in critical condition, the other has major injuries.

Both boat owners stated they did not see the kayakers… witnesses have said that the boat owners were looking behind the boat as they were towing people behind them (possibly towing a water skier or something like that).

What Does this Mean for Us Kayakers?

I have had many instances where I have been worried that a speed boat doesn’t see me. You cannot rely that the person steering the boat is paying attention and watching not only what is in front of him but also what could be behind the waves.

My advice would be to pay attention to what is around you at all times and steer clear of motorized boats long before they ever become an issue. If you choose to venture out into speed boat territory… meaning out in open water then make it a priority to stay out of their way. Fact is they are far more powerful than our little kayaks and if a speed boat is coming right at you it can be very difficult to get out of the way in time.

If you are unsure if a boater sees you then the protocol is to wave your paddles up in the air to hopefully catch their attention.

Sometimes if I feel a little uneasy about the amount of boaters on the water I may stick closer to shore where the power boats are not allowed to go over a certain speed. Also a bright colored PFD can really help you to stand out in the water.

Bottom line… whether you are paddling in a hard shell kayak or an inflatable kayak have a great time but please paddle safely! All of these accidents are upsetting and when you can’t control the actions of others then it becomes even more important to take your own safety precautions.

Find more kayaking safety tips and keep your paddling trips happy and accident free.

A PFD Fit for a Woman

For all of the women kayakers out there you will likely know as I do how uncomfortable a PFD can be. Most lifejackets are not designed for a women’s body and consequently can be one of the most awkward and uncomfortable pieces of clothing/protection that you could wear.

As most PFD’s are unisex I never really thought in years past about the fit of my lifejacket. Up until this year my lifejacket was old and well used. It had been worn by many people both men and women.

It fit okay but usually within minutes of beginning to kayak it would get uncomfortable. Either the back would ride up or it would rub against my skin or it would cause me to sweat in the heat. I never enjoyed wearing it.  I was constantly wanting to take it off.

A PFD that actually fits?!

This year I decided to look into getting a PFD that was designed specifically for a woman’s body. Don’t ask me why I had not thought of this before. I guess because I had a PFD to use and although it wasn’t the best fit, I knew it worked fine and I simply didn’t think of spending the money to replace it.

However I like comfort and I decided I wanted my PFD to actually fit MY body and not everyone’s body. I knew that Stohlquist made some excellent PFD’s and that they had several models that were specifically designed for women so I started searching there.

The Stohlquist women’s PFD models are:

• The Stohlquist Women’s BetSEA
• The Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser
• The Stohlquist Women’s Kitty
• The Stohlquist Women’s GETaWay
• The Stohlquist Women’s eSCAPE

Each of these PFD’s have received good reviews from other women… specifically the Stohlquist BetSEA, and the Stohlquist Cruiser.

After a little bit of research I decided to go for the Stohlquist Cruiser.

I liked this PFD for several reasons:

• It has two big pockets in the front – I can fit my camera and other nicknacks in them.
• It has hand-sculpted PVC-free (better for the environment) front foam with supportive inner cups
• It has extra wide armholes
• It has mesh side panels and lower half back – great for keeping cool in hot weather
• I liked the colors!

Stay tuned for my review of this PFD

Once I have worn my Cruiser a few times I will post a review to let you knoew exactly how it fit and how comfortable it is. Stay tuned…

Update:  After wearing it several times my review of the Cruiser is now complete and can be viewed here… Stohlquist Cruiser PFD Review.

Real Life Paddling Safety Precautions

Recently I read an article on our local news website in my hometown. Two men were paddling in their inflatable canoe (from the picture it looked like a really good quality one) on the very large Okanagan Lake in my area. They were training for a race that was taking place the following day that included running, cycling and paddling.

Experience made no Difference

These men were very experienced with kayaking and had a fair amount of experience paddling on this particular lake. They chose to paddle out to the center of the lake to make their way from one point to another.

Unfortunately high winds came up quite quickly and they found themselves practically paddling on the spot for almost half an hour.

They were having real troubles making any headway and the winds were getting stronger.

Strong waves were beginning to form and one big one tipped them right over. The winds quickly carried their inflatable canoe away from them and they couldn’t reach it to hold on.

Luckily for these two men they were both wearing their lifejackets at the time. Even with the lifejackets on they found the winds were too strong to try and swim against the currents to try and make it back to shore.

One of the men knew that the proper thing to do if in trouble is to try and lie on your back and hold your paddle up in the air… hopefully for someone to see that you are in trouble.

Luckily for these two someone did notice from a nearby bridge and called for help. Even luckier was that another person noticed who had a speed boat docked and he rushed out to help them as well as retrieve their canoe.

In that short period of time they were already suffering from mild hypothermia as the water was freezing cold. Both of them were quoted as saying that if they had not been wearing their PFD’s they would have drowned for sure as they simply could not keep swimming with the strong winds. They both also stated that had they not been wearing their PFD’s they didn’t think they would have been able to put them on in the water (if they were able to hang on to them when they were tipped over).

Important Safety Tips

The point of this post is not to scare you but simply to show how very quickly calm situations can suddenly change. It is so important not to underestimate the power of the weather as well as the water. Here are a couple of very important cautions to be aware of:

1. When paddling in the water, if you are not absolutely sure of the weather conditions then stick close to shore. It is common knowledge that if winds pick up you do not want to be in the middle of a body of water as you will have no protection.One of the first things that kayak rental outfitters will tell you is to stick close to the shoreline. If you are caught out in the middle of a lake and the weather changes, you can often have real trouble.
2. Always wear your PFD. This is a perfect example of what can happen if you are not wearing it. Weather patterns can change unexpectedly and if you have to struggle against the wind, it is not always possible to put it on at that point.Sometimes in that kind of situation if you stop paddling the wind will push your kayak far backwards. Even taking the few seconds to stop and put on your lifejacket can cause you to lose major ground.
3. Also do not think that because you have your PFD on your lap or close to you that you will be able to grab it and put it on in the water should you tip. In an emergency situation, things don’t always go as you might think they will. No matter what your experience make sure all people and pets in your kayak are wearing their PFD’s.

Sometimes we all need a bit of a reminder as to how powerful the elements can be. So please folks remember to be safe, wear your PFD, and keep half-way close to the shoreline if at all possible. I have actually always found that paddling along the shoreline makes for much better sight-seeing anyway.

Find more important paddling safety tips and advice.

Inflatable Kayaking Do’s & Don’ts

You will learn fairly quickly after a few outings what to do and not to do on your kayaking trips. For any brand new paddlers out there it might help to know some key do’s and don’ts that will make your first few paddling adventures enjoyable and safe.

Inflatable Kayaking Do’s

• Tell someone where you are going and roughly what time you expect to be back.

• Load your kayak carefully so that the weight is distributed fairly evenly. More weight at the back is better then more weight at the front.

• Pack your pump and repair kit in a dry bag and bring it in the inflatable kayak with you.

• Make sure your inflatable kayak is inflated to full capacity. If there is not enough air in it, it will not be as rigid as it should be and therefore could be quite sluggish.

• Stay close to shore. If you are kayaking in the ocean or on a lake it is wise to paddle along the shore line. If winds pick up you could have a hard time making it back. Keeping the shoreline well in sight is a very wise thing to do.

• Bring clean drinking water with you… enough so you won’t run out.

• Bring layers of clothing. Even if the weather is warm it is a good idea to pack extra clothing away in your dry bag so that you are prepared for any type of weather should it change quickly or your plans get off course.

• Bring a hat – rain or shine, it will protect your head and your face.

• Bring your cell phone. It may be difficult to tell if you will be within cell phone range but bring it anyway just in case.

• Bring a whistle. If you are ever in trouble, a whistle is a great way to get others attention.

• Sunscreen!! The hot sun and reflection on the water can do some serious damage to your skin. If you plan on being out for hours, you may need to reapply your sunscreen often.

Inflatable Kayaking Don’ts

• Don’t run into sharp objects. Most inflatable kayaks are built extremely sturdy but there is no point hitting sharp objects if they can be avoided. Steer around sticks and debris in the water.

• Don’t drag your inflatable kayak over rocks and gravel unless you have to. Again most are built to handle this, but there is no sense scratching up the bottom of the kayak unless it is absolutely necessary. Try and carry the kayak to the water if possible.

• Don’t disturb the wildlife. One of the best parts of kayaking is viewing the wildlife. The last thing we want to do is disturb their environment. Look, take pictures, but let them be.

• Don’t bring alcohol in the kayak. Drinking alcohol while kayaking can cause all sorts of problems. For one it can cause some serious dehydration while out in the sun as well as make paddling a real chore. Keep your focus, take your time, stay hydrated and leave the alcohol for when you get home.

• Don’t get toppled by waves. Waves are easy to deal with… just take them head on. When you see larger waves coming your way, turn your kayak so that you face the wave and just ride it out. If you take it sideways, you risk being overturned.

• Don’t drink the water. Obviously you wouldn’t do that in the ocean but if you are kayaking in a lake or river you may be tempted. Unfortunately the water in most waterways is NOT drinkable. Bring your own clean water and leave the rest for the fish.

• Don’t stand up to try and swap places if you are kayaking tandem. Though it is possible to do this, it is not recommended. There is a very good chance that at least one of you will end up in the water. Wait until you can get to some shore to change places.

• If you decide to take a break and dock on some shore, don’t leave your kayak too close to the water unattended. Tides can change and you may come back to find your kayak floating a long ways away.

• Don’t get too close to motor boats. A noisy motor boat can be annoying on a peaceful kayaking trip but they are often sharing the waterway with us. Being in a kayak we are not as noticeable to them as they are to us. Stay well out of the way of other boats as it is not always so easy to move out of the way quickly.

• Don’t fall asleep in your kayak. One of the most amazing feelings on a warm and beautiful day can be do detach your kayak seat and lay out in the open water in your kayak… very peaceful!. However be careful not to fall asleep as you never know where you might end up or what could happen.

Hopefully these do’s and don’ts of inflatable kayaking will help to make your first few paddling experiences good ones. Once you get more comfortable with what you are doing, you will learn very quickly what works for you and what doesn’t. The key things to remember are to always go prepared for anything, play it safe and always stay focused.

Find the right kayak for you by reading our comprehensive inflatable kayak reviews.

Reading the Weather Before & During a Kayak Trip

I have always wanted to be able to easily read the weather without having to look it up online or hear it on the radio. For kayaking, knowing the weather is extremely important.

I have had the misfortune of being out on the ocean having a happy paddling experience when sudden winds picked up and no matter how hard I paddled, I seemed to get nowhere and if I stopped paddling I would get blown backwards.

Let me tell you that is NOT a good feeling.  My arms eventually felt like they were going to drop off  and I began to have a sudden panic attack  that I would never make it back to shore.  Ugh!

You would think an experience or two like that would make someone learn to read weather patterns, but I have honestly never taken the time. I have always relied on the friendly weather man or woman but we all know the forecast is not always right and Mother Nature often has a mind of her own.

This year I have decided to at least learn the basics. I am not a very technical person so going into great detail does not interest me. However I will share with you what I have learned so far and hopefully these few basics will help all of us to have more knowledge of the warning signs that tell us the weather could be changing fast.

The Basics to Reading the Weather

The first thing I learned was that I don’t need any special equipment to be able to make good weather predictions. That was good as I had no plans on buying any. Second there are four things that need to be considered for personal weather forecasting:

• Clouds
• Air Pressure
• Nature/Animals/Insects
• Wind

Clouds

There are three main categories of cloud formations:

1. High clouds – Could be described as tiny balls or rippled sand, thin veil of ice crystals that form a halo around the sun, or horsetails. These clouds tell of upcoming weather. The ice crystals are created from moisture in the air that is generated by storms in the distance. These clouds can often tell of bad weather coming.
2. Middle clouds – Could be described as lumpy or a light grey veil that almost blocks the sun. The middle clouds tell of the weather over a larger area.
3. Low clouds – Could be described as puffy, straight or layered, clustered or dark clouds that are not normally visible from directly below. These low clouds are generally a manifestation of current weather.

So in other words, high clouds can tell us of weather to come, middle clouds tell of weather over a larger region and low clouds tell of the current weather in our immediate surrounding area.

Air Pressure

When the temperature changes the air begins to move differently. High pressure means the air is being compressed downwards and is being warmed… consequently we will experience drier and warmer conditions. Low pressure means rain, wind and stormy weather. High air pressure will circulate wind clockwise and low will circulate counter-clockwise. Besides temperatures there are other things that cause air to rise as well such as mountains.

The thing to know here is which way the wind is circulating. If you can figure that out, then you can possibly tell whether the air pressure is high or low.

Nature

Nature is a fantastic way to forecast the weather. Here are some interesting facts that may be useful:

• Low pressure causes insects and birds to fly low.
• Bees will be more active before fair weather.
• Odors are more noticeable in low pressure air.
• Sounds will seem louder in low pressure air.
• Smoke that flattens out indicates bad weather.
• Smoke in a vertical column indicates fair weather.
• A halo around the sun usually indicates rain before the night is done.
• A halo around the moon indicates there can be rain before noon.
• When the sky is crisp and clear and the moon and stars are bright and twinkly it means there is very little moisture in the air (I think most of us knew that one).

Most of us know the rhyme: “Red sky at night, sailors delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning.” Not sure if I have that exactly right but that is how I always remember it. I never really understood what the red sky signifies.  Turns out red skies mean there is dust in the air to the west. That is a sign of dry air coming towards you (red sky at night). However the red sky in the morning means the dry air has passed and is being pushed by moisture laden air.

Wind

There is a lot of information on reading the wind and I do not quite understand it all yet. I am going to write about the wind in another post when I have a better handle on it.

Hope this helps a little. It is really the very basics but if we can remember even a few of these tips I think we will be much better off when out on the water and at least possibly be able to make an educated weather guess.

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