Devon Berry is a healthcare professional specializing in higher education, most recently serving as the executive associate dean at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing. There he oversaw strategy implementation and provided senior leadership for the school’s six Advanced Practice Nurse Registration programs. Devon Berry lives in the Pacific Northwest with his family.
One of the great outdoor activities available in the Pacific Northwest is kayaking—you can do it with adults and kids, with breathtaking views of Mount Hood at Trillium Lake or right through downtown Portland on the Willamette River. For first timers, the sport can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never picked up a paddle or sat in a kayak. Consider signing up for a class or tour where equipment and instruction is provided. No matter what you choose, read on for what to know before kayaking for the first time.
Wear Clothes for the Water
No matter the weather—if it’s cold or hot—you want to first consider that you’ll be near water and will likely get wet, so avoid cotton and wear swimsuit bottoms or other moisture-wicking synthetic layers. Also bring sunglasses and sunscreen as the glare of the sun on the water can cause sunburn and limit visibility.
Practice Safety
Learn some of the basic hand signals and gestures that other kayakers use to communicate with each other, even from the shoreline. If you want to go down rapids, you should go with an experienced friend or instructor, and make sure to read up on safety tips beforehand, like the ones from Raft Masters.
Research the Location
Even if on a guided excursion, it’s good to look up the river or lake you’ll be kayaking on to get a feel for its layout and where you’ll be starting and stopping. Bring a physical map to keep with you in the kayak, since you’ll want your phone in a waterproof container or sealed bag.
Devon Berry 