Kayaking is a fun outdoor activity and the best way to experience Stockholm. Kayaking is not difficult, but for your own safety and the safety of others on the water, it is important that you are aware of the rules that apply, especially when you are on busy waters such as Stockholm's inner archipelago, which quickly becomes crowded on fine summer days.

Before the paddle trip

Before you get into the kayak on the water, there are a few important steps to consider that should be carried out on land.

• Double-check that you have all the required equipment and that it fits you
• Adjust the foot pegs to your height
• Check that the rudder responds
• Close all hatches
• Have a pre-planned route

There is no definitive answer to exactly what equipment is required, as every kayaker has their own opinion on what is appropriate to bring along in the kayak to be prepared for situations that may arise. At Northkayak, all customers receive a paddle, life jacket, spray skirt, and map.

You can read more about what is good to keep in mind before your kayak trip here.

Rules at sea

When all preparations are complete, the adventure can begin. However, it is important to know the rules that apply at sea, because as soon as you sit in a kayak, you are part of the maritime traffic.

The most important rules to know as a kayaker are that right-hand traffic applies on the water, and that as a kayaker you must give way to all motorized maritime traffic. "Largest first" is a good rule of thumb to remember.

Always stay close to shore when kayaking, partly because paddling further out does not offer better conditions, and partly for your own safety in case you capsize and need to swim to shore.

If you capsize

A common concern among less experienced paddlers is that kayaks are unstable and easy to capsize. This is not true if you paddle a kayak that is wide enough and suits your experience level. If you feel unsure, it is a good idea to ask for help from a kayak dealer, rental service, or a more experienced friend.

However, even the best paddler can have an accident, and suddenly you find yourself upside down in the water. This situation can feel scary and dramatic, but as long as you stay calm and know what to do, it rarely results in anything more than wet clothes. Below we discuss three different approaches to handling a capsized kayak.

1. Swim to shore
A method that always works, whether you are alone or have company on the water, is to swim to shore with the kayak. When you have capsized, pull the handle on the spray skirt if you are using one, come up to the water surface, and then turn the kayak hull-side down. Use the kayak as a flotation aid and swim to shore. Once on land, turn the kayak upside down again to drain out the majority of the water. The remaining water can be removed with a sponge or towel.

2. Assisted rescue
If you paddle with a friend, which is strongly recommended, you can help each other get back into the kayak from the water. There are many different techniques for this, some of which are demonstrated in the video below:

3. Eskimo roll
The Eskimo roll (also called a roll) is the most advanced maneuver for handling a capsized kayak. In short, it involves flipping your own kayak back from an upside-down position in the water. The Eskimo roll is something you need to practice, preferably with a guide, but you can also train on your own. The instructional video below is great for those who want to practice alone or with a friend.