What is sea kayaking? Thorough guide on how to enjoy, what to wear, and recommended spots!

Move forward on the sea while using a paddle to paddle the water. Sea kayaking ”.
It looks difficult at first glance, but if you get the hang of it, anyone can easily row. Water activities that even beginners can easily try is.

This time, What to wear when experiencing sea kayaking or, Points to be aware of , Okinawa ・ Kagoshima ・ Shizuoka ・ Kanto region of Recommended spot and so on.

What is sea kayaking?

" Sea kayaking "Is Kayaking to enjoy in the sea Say that.
The hull is covered with deck except for the seats "Closed deck" It is characterized by specifications. for that reason, Even if waves come, it is difficult for water to enter the ship and it is difficult to dive It is

Also, compared to the kayaks used in rivers and lakes The hull is elongated so that it is not easily affected by waves, wind, and tides. ..
Sea kayaking is excellent in stability and straightness, so it is used not only as an activity but also when moving from island to island.

The charm of sea kayaking

Sea kayaking The first attraction of You can enjoy a different view from the one you see from the ground it might be.

When I first got on a sea kayak, first Closeness to the water surface I am amazed by Therefore, if it is a daytime tour, Underwater topography, coral reefs, schools of fish, etc. can be seen with the naked eye. It is.

Also, if you join the evening tour sea ​​view at sunset if you join the night tour starry skies such as being able to see You can see a completely different landscape depending on the season and time of day you experience It is also the real pleasure of sea kayaking.

Furthermore, in some regions Landing on an uninhabited island or entering a cave There are also many tours that offer additional ways to enjoy things like this.

There are endless ways to enjoy sea kayaking, so you will surely find a way to play that suits your taste!

Sea kayaking precautions

Sea kayaking There are some points to be aware of because it is performed in the great outdoors.
Therefore, Precautions you should know to enjoy safely I summarized.

If you look sweet, you will get burned! Beware of sunburn

There is nothing blocking the sun's rays above the sea, so your skin is constantly exposed to UV light.
Moreover, You have to be careful not only of the sunlight that falls from above, but also of the "reflection" that is reflected by hitting the surface of the water. ..
Therefore, Be careful not to get sunburned, not only in summer, but also in spring and autumn. is.

During the experience, limit the exposure of your skin as much as possible, use sunscreen cream, etc. Adequate sun protection Let's do it.

Be careful of heat stroke in summer!

If you experience sea kayaking in the middle of summer, you should also be aware of heat stroke.
When the sea breeze blows, it may feel like the heat has eased. I thought I was fine, but in fact I was dehydrated without knowing it ... It's quite possible.

Let's try to prevent heatstroke more than usual by replenishing water frequently. . As a countermeasure, Sports drinks that can replenish salt and sugar at the same time are recommended is.

Watch out for sudden changes in the weather!

The conditions of the sea are unstable, so it is difficult for beginners to properly judge when, where and how the weather will change.
If you are going on a tour, you can rest assured that a veteran instructor will guide you while considering the weather and tide flow of the day, but sometimes Unexpected high waves occur due to sudden strong winds, etc. There may be something like that.

When the weather turns bad, Immediately evacuate according to the instructor's instructions Please.

sea kayak clothing

During the sea kayaking experience, you have to be careful about getting wet and strong UV rays, so choosing clothes is a difficult problem.
Well then Introducing basic clothes for sea kayaking To do.

In summer, wear a swimsuit and rash guard to prevent sunburn!

The sea kayak departs from the beach, so when boarding knee-deep in the sea It will be.
From a waterproof point of view, I would like to enjoy summer with just one swimsuit, but I am worried about the burden on my skin due to sunburn with just a swimsuit.
So if you wear a swimsuit rash guard or rush torenka It is recommended to wear clothes that combine with is.

again, In addition to the strong ultraviolet rays in the midsummer sea, there is also reflection from the sea surface, so be careful about sunburn. is.
Sunburn is not only a tingling sensation, but when it gets worse, it can cause blisters like burns.
as much as possible to avoid Clothes that refrain from exposing the skin Let's keep in mind.

In spring and autumn, layer thin clothes to control your body temperature!

In spring and autumn, when the temperature varies greatly depending on the day and time of day, So that you can take off and put on according to the temperature of the day, It is preferable to wear several thin layers of clothing. Probably.
Outdoor brand innerwear and waterproof jackets are recommended because they are not only warm but also easy to move.

Also, some tour companies There are also rental services for wet suits (short-sleeved, sleeveless, etc.) So if you want it, check it out in advance.

Wet suits and dry suits are perfect for cold weather in winter!

In winter, it prevents the heat from escaping. Wetsuits And "" which is also used for diving in cold areas Dry suit If you wear something like ", you can enjoy sea kayaking comfortably even in winter.
Combine with an inner layer that has a high heat-retaining effect If you do, you will feel more secure.

Also, if you are a tour company that holds sea kayaking in winter, Rental service for winter wear and cold protection items There should be plenty of it, so if you want it, check it out in advance.

Choose shoes that you can get wet!

Sea kayaking During the experience, your feet will almost certainly get soaked.
Although Barefoot is NG .. When you get on a boat or walk on the beach, you may get injured by coral or shells, so be sure to bring shoes that you can get wet.

In summer Marine shoes and sports sandals that can firmly fix the heel are the best .. In autumn or winter Rain boots are recommended for protection against the cold is.

On the other hand, shoes without heels or shoes with an open instep are dangerous because they can be taken off immediately when getting on and off the ship or in the unlikely event that the ship rolls over.
Also, shoes with too thick soles or high heels should be avoided as it is difficult to sit in the cockpit due to the structure of the ship.

Sun protection goods that do not burn in the sea

Sea kayaking is an activity that takes place on the sea, so naturally there are no buildings around to block UV rays.
In addition to that The "reflection" that occurs when ultraviolet rays are reflected on the surface of the sea or on the beach also causes the skin to get sunburned. So Sun protection products are a must It will be.

If you don't want to get sunburned in the ocean as much as possible, be sure to have at least the following items.

Big brim hat

Ultraviolet rays, which are said to accumulate in the body as much as they are exposed to, Causes of various skin problems such as sunburn, stains, wrinkles, and rough skin It will be.
To protect your skin from such UV rays Wear a hat as much as possible during the experience Let's do it.

At that time, rather than a cap or sun visor A hat type with a brim at 360 ° is recommended is. It will be more secure if you choose an outdoor brand with excellent UV protection and waterproof function.

Don't be blown away even if the sea breeze blows A hat with a strap is the best However, if you don't have a strap, you can clip the collar and hat. Hat closure Is convenient.

UV cut sunglasses

In addition to UV protection for the skin, " UV protection for the eyes Don't forget.
In fact, like the skin, the eyes are affected by UV rays. Accumulation of damage can lead to unexpected risk of eye disease So Use sunglasses, glasses, and contact lenses equipped with a UV cut function let's do it.

In addition, with UV cut function " Polarized sunglasses In addition to protecting your eyes from sunlight and ultraviolet rays, it also suppresses the glare of light diffusely reflected from the water surface.
If you do sea kayaking often, you may want to bring a pair of polarized sunglasses, as the ocean conditions will be clearer.

Sunscreen cream

Sunscreen cream is an indispensable item for UV protection.
However, I don't think it's time to reapply sunscreen during the experience, so Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF or PA value as much as possible Let's do it.
"Difficult to remove even with water or sweat" waterproof "And" which is resistant to friction and rubbing Friction proof Is recommended.

However, strong sunscreens are highly irritating to the skin and are not recommended for everyday use. It is also necessary to use it properly depending on the purpose.

Also, in recent years, "" which was made mainly of ingredients with high antioxidant activity. Sunscreen supplements to drink Is also talked about as it prevents damage caused by sunburn. You can expect more effect by using it together with sunscreen cream.

■ What is SPF?

When the skin is exposed to UV light for 20 minutes, it begins to produce melanin pigment. It is said that.
"SPF" shows the effect of preventing UVB (ultraviolet B wave) that leads to darkening of the skin. Listed number x 20 minutes delay melanin pigment production can do.
In other words, in the case of SPF50, the effect of 1,000 minutes (a little over 16 hours) can be expected.

■ What is PA +?

"PA" represents the effect of preventing UVA (ultraviolet A wave) that causes the skin to lose its elasticity.
this The greater the number of +, the more effective it is to prevent not only darkening of the skin but also stains, wrinkles, and sagging. I can do it.

Recommended sea kayaking spots

There are many spots in Japan where you can enjoy sea kayaking, but among them A popular spot recommended especially for beginners Introducing
Please refer to Sea kayaking Let's challenge!

area	sea ​​kayak spot
Okinawa	Iriomote Island Ishigaki Island Miyakojima
Kagoshima	Yoron Island Amami Oshima
Shizuoka	Minamiizu/Shimoda
Kanto	Shonan and Zushi Minamiboso/Tateyama Ogasawara

Sea kayaking spots in Okinawa

A classic sea kayak! Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island Speaking of Nakama River boasts Japan's largest " mangrove forest is famous is.

On a sea kayaking tour through the mangrove forest, you may discover plants and rare creatures you've never seen before.
It makes me wonder, "Is this Japan?" Overwhelming scale view and mystery of nature Iriomote Island is recommended for those who want to enjoy.

You can explore the cave! Ishigaki Island

" Blue Grotto ” If you say Okinawa main island of Cape Maeda is famous, but Did you know that it is also on Ishigaki Island?
Ishigaki Island The inside of the blue cave is a wide cavity, inside Stalactite You can also see.

After heading to the blue cave on a sea kayak, in the cave snorkeling One of the reasons why Ishigaki Island is so popular is that you can play with something extra like this.

Sea turtles and touring! Miyakojima

Miyakojima teeth, There are many beaches where you can meet sea turtles with a high probability doing.
Many people come to experience sea kayaking for sea turtles, etc. Miyakojima is a great sea turtle spot It is said that.
If you want to meet wild sea turtles, take a tour of Miyakojima.

Kagoshima sea kayaking spot

You can see through to the bottom of the sea! Yoron Island

It is one of the Amami archipelago Yoron Island (Yoronjima) is Kagoshima It is a remote island at the southernmost tip of
Okinawa main island Only about 23km. commonly known as " Yoron Blue When you float a sea kayak in the beautiful emerald green sea called A mysterious experience as if floating in the air I can.

Also, off the coast of Okaneku, From mid-tide to spring tide in spring and summer, Yurigahama Beach A pure white sandy beach called Appears. In this Yurigahama, " You can be happy if you pick up star sand (star-shaped sand) as many as your age. There is also a legend that attracts many tourists visiting.

　

Also known as the Oriental Galapagos! Amami Oshima

Fukuoka About 70 minutes by direct flight from Located southwest of Kagoshima mainland Amami Oshima teeth, commonly known as " oriental galapagos , called " mangrove primeval forest is famous is.

domestically Okinawa of Second largest after Iriomote Island We are proud of it, but since navigation by power boat is prohibited, Only sea kayaks can observe this mangrove primeval forest It will be.
The special feeling of going to a place that can only be reached by sea kayaking is also a nice point.

Sea kayaking spots in Shizuoka

UNESCO Global Geopark Certification! Minamiizu / Shimoda

Caves, precipitous cliffs created by lava, and oddly shaped small islands can be seen here and there. Izu Peninsula teeth " UNESCO Global Geopark It is a valuable area in the world so as to be certified as is.
Because they act as breakwaters, in the bay There are many fields where the waves are calm, so it is also recommended for those who are experiencing sea kayaking for the first time It is said that.

Also, at the tip of the Izu Peninsula Shimoda Because the sea of is affected by the Kuroshio Current, Excellent water transparency is.
You can see colorful tropical fish and coral reefs and feel like you are on a southern island.

Sea kayaking spots in the Kanto region

Shonan/Zushi (Kanagawa)

If the weather is nice Overlooking Enoshima, Izu Peninsula, Mt. Fuji, etc. Kanagawa Shonan ・ Zushi area ..
It can be accessed from the city center in about 1 hour one way Therefore, it is attractive that you can easily visit and enjoy sea kayaking.

Although it is close to the city center, especially Hayama or Miura Peninsula There is a lot of greenery, and you can enjoy the magnificent nature I can do it.

Minamiboso/Tateyama (Chiba)

The Boso Peninsula, where the Kuroshio Current hits, is also known as a summer resort cultivated in a mild climate.

Minamiboso/Tateyama area teeth, In addition to the highly transparent water quality, the waves are calm and the sea is shallow. .. For those who have experienced sea kayaking for the first time, Popular with families with children is.

Ogasawara (Tokyo)

Tokyo It is in Ogasawara Of course, the sea is beautiful, Beautiful beach is also attractive .. snorkel or on the beach BBQ There are many tours that are full of ways to enjoy the resort feeling.

Also, enjoy fishing on a kayak " Kayak fishing It is also popular as a place for ".

Enjoy sea kayaking!

More than, Points to know before experiencing sea kayaking It will be.
Sea kayaking are all over Japan Activities that can be enjoyed almost all year round is.

It shows a completely different charm depending on the region and season, so once you experience it, you will definitely want to try various tours!

There are many tours that even beginners can easily experience. So, if you want to try something new, why not take this opportunity to try sea kayaking?

*The information in this article is current as of July 2023.

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