As we move towards the winter months, many of the popular outdoor sporting options are becoming thin on the ground for non-professionals. Those of us who wish to stay fit and enjoy a diverting hobby are likely to be looking for another way to keep the weekends occupied, particularly given that a day on the golf course can so easily be ruined by rain or worse.

One worthwhile option may be to give kayaking a try. It’s a suitable winter pursuit – if you have doubts about that, bear in mind that the first people to give kayaks a try were the indigenous population of Greenland. That’s a part of the world where even the summer temperatures rarely get far above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so as long as you wrap up warm, it can be the perfect winter hobby. Indeed, by following the tips below, you can have the time of your life in a kayak.

Don’t scrimp on the correct kit

Initially, of course you won’t want to buy a kayak until you are sure that the hobby agrees with you – so it makes sense to rent that and the paddle. But if you’re going to get the best out of the pursuit, it makes sense to wear the right clothes and shoes. A wetsuit or drysuit, along with a fleece for the colder days, are essential. You should also take the time to read this article on the best kayaking shoes, which makes the point that the wrong shoes can make it an unpleasant experience and one which is less safe. Get the right kit, and your kayaking experience will be all the more enjoyable.

Kayak with a buddy

Your initial kayaking will, hopefully, take the form of lessons with a qualified instructor who will take responsibility for getting you back on shore safe and sound. As you gain more experience and confidence, you’ll be better-placed to take to the water without the experts. You should, however, keep in mind that even skilled kayakers will not usually go alone – buddying up and going with someone who can keep an eye out for you, as you do for them, will keep any nervy moments to a minimum. Nonetheless, you should both pack a whistle just in case – if you become separated, three sharp blasts on the whistle will alert you, and others in the area, to where each other are.

Make sure your first trip is on a sunny, calm day

Depending on where you live, ideal kayaking weather can be easier or harder to come by, but as a preference your first lesson should be on a sunny day where there is little wind to worry about. Your first trip without a guide should certainly be on a day like that, because the calmer the water, the easier a trip you’re going to have. Sunnier days lead to better visibility, and quite simply a sunnier day means fewer distractions, which is something that will vastly improve the experience.

Kayaking can be a thoroughly enjoyable pastime in the winter and beyond, as long as you make sure you are fully prepared for the experience.