When Does Kayaking Season Start & End?

Every year, people ask us this question - When the kayaking season begins and ends? The answer to the question isn't straightforward, however, there is a kayaking season. How long you can kayak safely and comfortably depends on a variety of circumstances. We’ll share all those details with you. Keep reading to learn more.

How Do I Know When Kayaking Season Begins?

The kayaking season does not begin at a specific time. The majority of people consider spring to be the unofficial start of the kayaking season because of the warm weather. Kayaking is most enjoyable from April/May to October. The air and water temperatures are the two key factors that determine whether kayaking will be comfortable. The best method for figuring out whether these two factors are suitable for pleasant kayaking is to add the temperatures of the water and the air. Depending on the temperature, different states and regions have different ideal times to begin and conclude the kayaking season.

The weather is where you usually dictate the optimum time to go kayaking. Weather differences in some states during the kayaking season may have an impact on when it is safe to plan a trip. Intense storms can provide challenges for kayakers, such as a higher risk of lightning strikes and flash floods. You might wish to take measures when paddling in cold water if those two temperatures combined are below 120°F, or even wear a wetsuit. To be sure, you should aim for water and air temperatures of at least 60° and 70°, respectively. Wetsuits are advised when the water's temperature is below 60 degrees.

Here are some more tips you can keep in mind to have a safe kayaking experience if you’re a beginner.

Consider Your Level of Experience

One reason some people adhere to a kayaking season is to avoid falling into freezing water. A kayaker with prior experience is less likely to capsize their vessel. They'll also be better able to get back into the boat if they do fall overboard. In calm conditions, a beginner may be able to get back into the boat without assistance. However, if the water is choppy, you may have difficulty doing so. If you fall into this category, you should avoid winter kayaking until you are more comfortable on the water.

Hire a Kayaking Guide

Kayaking is a fantastic sport, and nothing beats sharing the experience with a knowledgeable expert. Hiring a guide for a kayaking adventure allows you to experience the area like a local, learn about the flora and fauna in and around the water, and have a fantastic time. A guide will point you in the right direction for the right equipment and technique for your specific program, and this knowledge will enhance your trip in priceless ways.

A guide also significantly improves the security of your trip. Staying safe is essential for any water activity. A guide ensures your overall satisfaction with the trip, whether you are facing the challenges of rushing waters or the hazards of an exhausting multi-day trip. This improves your experience and better prepare you for your next kayaking adventure!

Kayaking in the Winter Safe or Not?

Many kayakers consider winter to be the best time of the year to as the weather provides excellent paddling conditions. While kayaking in chilly weather, you should make additional efforts to dress adequately and carry the essential equipment.

• Wear layered warm clothes - Cotton retains and absorbs moisture, making it inappropriate for cold climates. Contrarily, cotton should be avoided when wearing multiple layers of clothes in the cold. Layering should be kept to a bare minimum to stay warm, even though a drysuit or wetsuit is advised for really cold temperatures. The water will remain extremely cold even if the surrounding temperature rises.
• Put on a wetsuit if you can - A layer of insulating water keeps you warm due to your body heat. Additionally, wetsuits shield your body from hypothermia or cold shock. You can also wear waterproof jackets
• Put on the right safety gear - The ability to prepare for the worst-case scenario could mean the difference between surviving an accident and a catastrophic weather event.
• Employ a spray skirt - During the chilly winter months, a spray skirt must be used with a sit-in kayak. The neoprene or nylon-made spray skirt serves as a barrier to keep water out of the cockpit. The spray skirt will shield your lower body from the chilly air in addition to blocking the water.
• To keep your hands and head warm - Wear headgear that is moisture-wicking or water-resistant. Paddling could be hard if you lose feeling in your hands.
• Safety plan - Create a plan of escape in case the weather is not on your side. You might wish to be nearer the shore in the case of a capsize than usual.

How Should My Kayak Be Stored for the Winter?

You should be very careful with how you store your kayak whether you decide to continue paddling throughout the winter or take a break. Before storing your boat, start by making sure it is absolutely dry. Your kayak may sustain harm if water seeps through tiny cracks, freezes, and expands. Give your boat a thorough cleaning and use a protective spray to preserve it in good condition if you plan to store it for an extended period. Keep in mind that your kayak should always be kept covered and elevated off the ground. Additionally, you should also know to properly transport a kayak during your trips for extra safety.

Frequently asked questions

1.Can kayaking be done when it's too cold?

Many of us consider kayaking to be a summer-only activity and are content to store our paddles for the season. Others continue paddling after the visitors have gone to see the autumn colors or to enjoy a peaceful day on the lake. Rivers seem to freeze over until the snow-covered beachscapes enchant us.

2. What is the importance of location?

Winters in the Southeast United States are mild enough that you won't have to store your kayak for the season. Kayaking is possible throughout the year in Florida and many of the southern states that surround the coast.

3. When does the kayaking season begin?

Even though the water is colder than it is in the summer, kayaking is still a relatively safe activity. People who live near the sea will tell you that they rarely store their kayaks. Waterspouts are most common in California and Florida, where they can be seen almost all year. Warm-water kayakers' kayaking season is significantly extended.

4. What temperature is too cold for kayaking?

Water lower than 70 degrees °F (21 degrees °C) should be handled with caution, according to the National Center for Cold Water Safety. Water temperatures below 60 °F /15 °C may be fatal due to cold shock.

5. When is kayaking not appropriate?

Kayaking should be avoided not only due to cold weather but also due to bad weather in general. A kayaker should avoid conditions that could result in flash floodings, such as thunderstorms, high winds, lightning, and hail.

6. When is it not a good idea to go kayaking?

Bad weather, in general, should be considered when deciding whether or not to go kayaking. If at all possible, you should avoid kayaking in the following conditions: thunderstorms, high winds, lightning, and hail are all possible when flash floods occur.

7. When Does Kayaking Season Start and End? - Based on Countries

This is just a general start and end date. However, they don’t stop during winters. Please check your respective state websites to get more information and safety measures you need to follow based on the seasons.

• USA - April/May until October
• Canada - Mid-June through September
• UK - Between Spring and Autumn
• India - Northern regions (October or November until May), Southern regions (All round the year, expect for monsoon season)

Conclusion

Make your own choice after giving careful consideration to every aspect covered here. Just keep safety in mind, make thoughtful plans, and ask a friend along. If you do venture out into the cold waters, the safer guideline to follow is usually "the more the merrier." Just buy the right kayaks and other kayak accessories to have a safe adventure.

The fact is that kayaking has no fixed beginning or finish points throughout the year. It's always best to keep safety considerations in mind and prepare ahead to keep yourself comfortable and safe if you intend to kayak year-round in cold or warm weather. Kayaking may be enjoyed year-round at any time as long as you are aware of your capabilities and comfort zones.

Disclaimer - The images inside the article were collected from the internet. We do not own any of them.