>>1194140>>11953732) SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY
If your serious about this then take a class. They cost like $60-90 bucks for a few hour class and you will get so much valuable info that you cant get from posting on tibetan pottery making shitposting forums like this one. If you live close enough to the beach to want to take up ocean kayaking then I guarantee you that there is an outfitter or at least a place that does lessons within a 3 hour drive of you.
-1: WEAR A FUCKING LIFE JACKET.
I dont care if you think it makes you look like a dork or if you think it gives you weird tanlines. WEAR IT. Wear one that is properly fitted and rated to your weight range. When your on the water make sure it is comfortably tight on you and that all your buckles are buckled and tight. I once saw a guy rocking the open PFD and a rogue wave flipped him and he slipped out of his PFD and panicked because he couldnt swim. DONT BE THAT GUY
-2: DRESS FOR THE SWIM.
Cold water will sap your heat and energy faster than you will believe. Dont wear cotton and try to only wear synthetic fabrics. Be very aware of the water and air temp of the area youll be in. The general rule being that if the combined water and air temp is under 120 (So under a 60 degree air temp and 60 degree water temp) then you need to start thinking about more serious layers like a drytop or dry/wetsuit. At the very least always go out with multiple synthetic layers that you can add or remove as needed and a rainjacket/windbreaker. . You said you live in the north atlantic, if you know the waters are going to be brisk year round then spend $40 and get a pair of neoprene shorts online.
-3: DONT PADDLE FARTHER FROM SHORE THAN YOU ARE WILLING TO SWIM.
Obviously this depends on the conditions and familiarity you have with the area youll be paddling in and once you get better you can start kissing the horizon line good bye but for now just keep this rule in mind.
