10 Mistakes Kayakers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Most kayaking accidents aren't caused by bad luck — they're caused by avoidable mistakes. In this video, I'm breaking down 10 safety mistakes paddlers make (and what to do instead) so you can paddle with more confidence, no matter where your adventures take you. We cover everything from the skills you need in your back pocket, to the gear you should never leave shore without, to the mindset that keeps good trips from turning into bad ones. 00:12 Wear a PFD 00:55 Take a Kayak Rescue Course 02:20 Bring a Communication Device 04:25 Learn to Roll Your Kayak 06:45 Bring an Emergency Kit 08:20 Leave a Float Plan 10:18 Use Good Footwear 11:20 Plan Around Your Weakest Paddler 12:35 Make Sure Your Kayak Has Flotation 13:35 Always Be Ready to Adopt a Plan B THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR This video is brought to you by Hurricane Kayaks. Hurricane builds lightweight, thermoformed kayaks designed to be fun to paddle — with a great balance of stability and performance for beginner through advanced paddlers. Check out my reviews of their kayaks here: Hurricane Prima 125 - https://youtu.be/9rIBSnaat8M Hurricane Osprey 120 - https://youtu.be/gHpjwy7QZEI Hurricane Santee 116 Sport - https://youtu.be/HadZxQtuz4k Hurricane Tampico 130 - https://youtu.be/IduPO9wMlL4 Hurricane Osprey 109 - https://youtu.be/3XDnbrQqz5E WANT TO LEVEL UP YOUR PADDLING? Check out my instructional books and more paddling resources at PurePaddling.com SUPPORT THE CHANNEL If you find these videos helpful, consider buying me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/KenWhiting SUBSCRIBE for more paddling tips, gear reviews, and adventures @KenWhitingAdventures ⸻ About PaddleTV Ken Whiting is a former World Champion kayaker, author, producer and host of the @PaddleTV and @KenWhitingAdventures YouTube channels. PaddleTV is your go-to source for kayak and canoe gear reviews, paddling tips and techniques, trip inspiration, and expert advice designed to help you have a better—and safer—time on the water. #KayakSafety #Kayaking #PaddleTV