Sea Kayaking: A Beginner’s Guide
How to Get Started with Sea Kayaking: A Beginner’s Guide
by Alex LaLonde – professional kayaker, coach, and owner of Body Boat Blade Kayak School
So, you’re curious about sea kayaking. Maybe you’ve seen someone gliding across the calm morning waters or playing in the swell along the coast and thought: I want to do that. The good news? You can. And it’s more accessible than you might think. This guide is here to help you start your journey—not just with gear, but with the mindset and community that makes sea kayaking something you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Why Sea Kayaking?
Kayaking isn’t just paddling around. It’s movement, exploration, and connection—sometimes quiet, sometimes intense. You can experience solitude or camaraderie, challenge or ease, adrenaline or peace. Whether you’re paddling in protected bays or along rugged coastlines, sea kayaking gives you the freedom to move under your own power in one of the most dynamic environments on Earth.
And here’s the best part: You don’t need to be an athlete or a wilderness pro to start.
Essential Gear to Get You on the Water
You don’t need a full expedition kit to begin, but the right gear makes all the difference in safety and comfort. We’re focusing specifically on sea kayaking. See our blog on different types of kayaks and their benefits to learn about them. Here's a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to get started:
Sea Kayak: A sit-in kayak with bulkheads and deck lines is ideal. Longer boats (16-18ft) track better, travel faster and are better for long overnight trips. Shorter boats (14-16ft) are more maneuverable, playful, less heavy and better for day trips or short overnights.
Paddle: Lightweight and well-fitted. We always recommend trying a few before committing.
PFD (Life Jacket): Not optional. Get a paddling-specific model that fits snugly and allows shoulder movement.
Spray Skirt: Optional but recommended. Keeps water out of the cockpit in rough water. There are loose fitting nylon skirts, tighter fitting neoprene skirts, and hybrids.
Clothing: Dress for immersion, not the air temperature. Think layers, synthetics, or wool, and if you’re paddling in cold water—consider a drysuit or wetsuit.
Safety Items: Whistle, bilge pump, paddle float, towline, first aid kit, map or chart of the area, and some form of communication (VHF Radio or phone in waterproof case).
Dry Bags: Keep your snacks, phone, and dry clothes safe and accessible.
Basic Techniques to Start Practicing
Before venturing too far, focus on a few foundational skills that will serve you for life:
Forward Stroke: Seems simple, but good technique saves energy and prevents injuries. Think rotation from the torso, not just arm-paddling.
Sweep Strokes: Used to turn your boat efficiently.
Edge Control: Learning how to tilt your kayak improves maneuverability and sets the stage for bracing and rolling down the line.
Bracing: This is your insurance policy when things get wobbly.
Self and Assisted Rescues: These are considered the most important skills to learn and practice. We want to be able to help ourselves and our paddling partners if there’s a capsize.
You don’t need to master all these at once, but having someone watch your technique early on will pay off big time.
Where to Paddle as a Beginner
Look for protected water. Think bays, lakes, or slow rivers with minimal current and boat traffic. Avoid strong wind or swell until you’ve had some coaching.
In the Pacific Northwest, we’re blessed with a lifetime of waterways to explore. Look in your local area to find sheltered waterways near you. Join your local kayak club or contact your local paddle shop to get some ideas and meet other paddlers!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
You’re going to make a few, and that’s part of the process. But here are some we see all the time:
Overdressing or Underdressing: Always dress for the water temperature. Test your system before venturing too far.
Neglecting Weather & Tides: Don’t wing it. Check weather, tides, and water levels before launching.
Poor Boat Fit: A kayak that’s too big or too small makes control harder. Seek professional advice and try some kayaks out before making a purchase
Underestimating the Sea: It changes fast. Learn to read the signs.
Paddling Alone Without a Plan: Always let someone know where you’re going, and never rely on cell service alone.
Where to Learn the Skills You’ll Need
The best way to start strong is with guidance. You can absolutely learn a lot by watching videos or reading blogs like this—but nothing replaces learning directly from experienced coaches and paddling with a supportive group.
We run courses at Body Boat Blade that are designed to take you from “total beginner” to “confident coastal paddler” at your own pace. Whether you want to work on the basics, rough water paddling, surf launches, navigation, or rescues, we offer progressive instruction tailored to real-world conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
Online platforms like Online Sea Kayaking provide online courses to continue learning off the water and are an amazing resource. Body Boat Blade customers and students can take advantage of this platform and get a 10% discount on their membership using Code: BODY-BOAT-BLADE
Also, check out the local kayak clubs listed on our website. These communities are an incredible resource. You’ll meet folks who’ve been paddling our coastlines for decades—and they’re always more than happy to show you the ropes.
Final Word
Sea kayaking is more than a sport—it’s a lifelong skill, a mental reset button, and a way to experience the natural world up close. Start slow, build skills with intention, and surround yourself with a community that inspires growth.
Sea you on the water,
– Alex
Owner & Head Coach, Body Boat Blade