How to Overcome Fears of Whitewater Kayaking Situations

Kayaking is the sport of paddling a one- or two-person, hollowed-out boat that fits around the body. In recent years, kayaking down whitewater rapids has become extremely popular with both beginners and expert kayakers. While experienced paddlers are better prepared for life-threatening situations that may suddenly occur, beginners or intermediate paddlers can still harbor unnecessary fears of "what if" scenarios. Practice and experience should eventually help a paddler overcome these fears; however, there are other techniques that can assist in mastering fears of potentially dangerous whitewater kayaking situations.

Instructions

    • 1

      Refrain from using drugs or alcohol before or during whitewater kayaking training sessions, as well as during whitewater kayaking trips. Alcohol and drugs alter emotions, lower inhibitions, cause drowsiness or affect motor skills and reaction time, all of which can cause serious injury or death. Staying in control can reduce and even eliminate unnecessary fears of situations that could arise during whitewater kayaking.

    • 2

      Train thoroughly before attempting whitewater kayaking. Take available classes and learn from experienced whitewater kayaking instructors. Find a local paddling club and interview various instructors before choosing one. Make sure you feel comfortable working with the chosen instructor--look for someone who enjoys working with beginners and teaching the sport to newcomers. Knowing the right thing to do in every potential situation can help whitewater kayakers overcome their fears.

    • 3

      Take a guided tour with a qualified or certified instructor before venturing out on your own, even if you plan to kayak with others. This is especially beneficial to overcome fear if you are whitewater kayaking in an area that is unfamiliar or on whitewater that is new to you.

    • 4

      Wear a life vest while whitewater kayaking. Drowning is a common fear among whitewater kayakers, even experienced kayakers who learn the technique of flipping the boat back over while strapped inside. If a kayak does turn over, a life vest will work to fight against entrapment under water, making it easier for a whitewater kayaker to float to the surface immediately upon breaking free of the kayak.

    • 5

      Never paddle alone; rather, paddle with others who want the same type of whitewater kayaking experience as you to help overcome fears. Dangerous situations can arise whether you are alone or with others looking for a "wild" time. Use safety in numbers to whitewater kayak safely; this can help you avoid deadly situations.

    • 6

      Make sure your whitewater kayaking equipment fits and functions properly. Perilous situations can occur because helmets, life vests or even the kayak are not properly fitted to the kayaker. Making sure that all equipment fits correctly and that it is working as it should can avert disastrous situations and give a whitewater kayaker more confidence when handling unexpected situations.

    • 7

      Pay attention to weather and whitewater conditions. Never paddle when flooding or flash flood conditions exist or could arise; avoid paddling during thunderstorms and high winds. Being aware of your surroundings at all times and avoiding potentially risky situations can help even inexperienced whitewater kayakers overcome fear while on the rapids.