If you’re a beginner kayaker, then one of the most pressing questions on your mind is probably: do kayaks tip over easily?
The quick answer is: yes and no.
While it’s certainly a daunting possibility, the truth is that kayaks don’t generally flip over for no reason. It could be that the water is too rough or the weather is too windy for the kayak to handle.
That said, there are a number of things you can do to keep this from happening.
Keep reading to find out more.
Why Do Kayaks Tip Over?
It can be difficult for someone to just flip over the kayak on a warm, sunny day in calm waters. There has to be something that caused it to lose its balance and turn over.
Take a look at some of the reasons why your kayak can be a victim of capsizing.
1. Weather and Water Conditions
Even experienced and seasoned kayakers find it hard to keep their kayak steady in rough weather conditions. High winds and heavy rains can have a significant effect on the lightweight craft, making it easily tip over.
Also, if you’re navigating through choppy water or strong rapids, there’s an increased risk of the kayak capsizing. It takes a ton of skill to go through big waves like that unscathed.
2. Stalling and Collisions
Sometimes, beginner kayakers take their boat out to shallow waters to practice. While this is actually one of the best ways to gain experience, it also puts you in the way of stalling when you run into a river bed.
Getting stuck can easily catch you off-guard, cause you to lose balance, and tip over. This is also true if your kayak stalls on a river bed, only to have the current pick up a few seconds later.
3. Off-Balance Weight Distribution
It could be that your gear isn’t evenly distributed along the sides of your kayak. Or, maybe your center of gravity isn’t low and wide enough.
Whatever the reason, losing your balance in a kayak is one of the top reasons it can tip over. The good news is that while it’s common, it’s also one of the easiest to fix. With some practice and experience, you’ll be able to know how and where to position yourself and your gear for maximum stability.
How to Prevent Your Kayak From Tipping Over
1. Even Weight Distribution
To remain stable on the water, make sure you evenly spread out your gear. The best option is to place them front to back, with the majority in the front area.
Bear in mind that when you place most of your gear in the back, it becomes more likely to lean back and turn over. Plus, it makes it harder to paddle properly as well as maintain your balance.
Other kayakers prefer to distribute their gear on both sides. This allows the kayak to have equal weights on either side and reduces the risk of tipping over.
2. Add Outriggers
Outriggers are like extra floats that you add to the sides of your boat. They provide more stability and reduce the risk of the kayak turning over.
Though, we should mention that outriggers are best used if you’re looking to keep your kayak super steady. It could be if you’re a beginner just starting out or an angler who needs to stand upright with ease to catch their fish.
Outriggers shouldn’t be added if you need your kayak to be highly responsive. These are usually in situations like moving through strong rapids or paddling through a narrow river, and you need your paddle strokes to be quick and precise.
3. Practice the High and Low-Brace Paddling Strokes
High and low-brace methods are two types of paddle strokes that can prove invaluable when you’re about to tip over.
- High-brace kayak technique: twist your upper body in the opposite direction of the fall, then place the paddle to the front to stabilize the kayak
- Low-brace: with the paddle, push the water in the direction you’re leaning and tilt your upper body in the opposite direction
4. Keep an Eye Out for Obstacles
Things like big rocks, tree stumps, and river beds can cause you to lose your balance and flip over. Not only that but there’s also the risk they put a large, gaping hole in your boat.
Also, watch out for low tree branches. They may snag your kayak or gear, causing you to capsize. The problem is that kayakers don’t often notice them until it’s too late.
5. Check the Weather Forecast
Last, but not least, take a look at what the weather will be like before you go kayaking. If there’s a chance that it might rain hard, or the wind might pick up, postpone your water adventure to another time.
It might be an inconvenience, but it’s certainly worth it if it keeps you from going head-first in the water in rough weather conditions.
What to Do If Your Kayak Tips Over
First off, you should never go out on the water without proper gear. This includes your personal flotation device (PFD).
PFDs can make flipping over less of a threat. Plus, it can help you push yourself up when it’s time to get back into your boat.
If you have a friend with you, then returning to the kayak should be easy. They can hold the boat in place while you push yourself up.
If you’re on your own, it might prove to be a bit more challenging. Yet, with some practice, you’ll be able to learn how to do it.
Now, let’s look at what to do if your kayak ever tips over.
- Return the kayak to its upright position.
- Keep the boat steady using your gear, PFD, or a paddle float for support.
- Raise yourself up and position yourself back in your kayak.
Conclusion
Do kayaks tip over easily? Yes, even though kayaks are highly stable water vessels, there’s always the risk you might flip over.
An important tip is to practice, practice, then practice some more. Then, by following proper safety protocols and using the techniques we mentioned above, you can stay a dry and happy kayaker all day long!