Kayaking Safely on Lake Tahoe

May 12

Lake Tahoe is a great place for new and experienced kayakers of all ages. With unparalleled views, waters that are smooth and clear enough to be easy to navigate, and over 70 miles of shoreline to explore, you will find plenty to explore while kayaking on the lake.

But kayakers of every experience level should have a safety plan to account for any surprises and make sure you get back to shore safely, even if something unexpected happens.

Tips to Stay Safe While Kayaking

The first and most important safety item anytime you will be out on the water is to have a well-fitting personal floatation device and wear it constantly. The significant majority of water related deaths occur when people are not wearing their life jackets. Even if you are an experienced swimmer, the shock of cold water or an injury can keep you from being able to tread water. Wear a life jacket that you can keep afloat regardless of the reason you went overboard.

Once you have the life jacket on, you will also want to follow these other safety tips to keep all those in your party safe throughout the entire journey:

Bring Other Safety Gear - In addition to the PFD, you will also want to have a whistle in case you need to signal for help. A headlamp can be valuable if you are boating in the evening. Bring your phone as well. Although you will have somewhat limited coverage on the lake depending on your carrier, there are still spots on shore where cell service is available, which can help you if you get lost or end up too far away from your starting point and need a solution to get back.
Choose a Trip Within Your Limits - As long as the weather is nice, most of the kayaking in the South Lake Tahoe area is beginner friendly, so you will not need to worry too much about sudden swells or high waves. But you should still check the weather before you go out to be sure that it will be calm.
Don’t Go Too Far - Remember that however far out you go out, you will also need to have the energy to come back unless you plan to point the point trip with multiple cars. A good solution as you get a better sense of your abilities is to kayak out for 30 minutes and then assess what you and your group are feeling before determining whether or not to go on. If you are visiting South Lake Tahoe, keep in mind when planning your trip that the higher altitude can make exercise feel more difficult here on the lake.
Be Aware of Winds - Winds can be both good and bad for kayakers on the lake. High winds will make water choppy and harder to navigate. Winds will also push against you. It is generally recommended that you paddle out against the wind so that the headwind can help propel you back when you are more tired near the end of your trip. Winds in the summer in Lake Tahoe tend to come from the east in the morning and move to come from the southwest by early afternoon, but you should also check the forecast on the day of your trip to take note of any particular wind conditions for that day.
Watch for Boats - Power boats and jet skis are allowed to use the lake as well. As a kayaker, you will be less visible to these boats than they are to you, so give them the right of way. Continuously watch your surroundings to be sure that you are never on a collision course with any boats or jet skiers and adjust your course as necessary. Note that when you are out farther out on the lake, motorboats can start to create choppy waters and hitting a wake at the wrong angle can flip your kayak.
Dress Correctly - With any water sport, you should assume that you will end up in the water eventually and you want to be dressed correctly for that event. In the summer, Lake Tahoe water can be between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit so it will be cold if you fall in. Besides your life jacket, you should also wear clothes that dry quickly such as a swimsuit or athletic wear so that once you get back in the kayak, you are not at risk for hypothermia.
Stay Close to Shore - Beginners should stay closer to shore. Not only is it more interesting, but it makes it easier to get help if you need it. Water temperature will be slightly warmer here. In South Lake Tahoe, the space between the shore and 600 feet out is a no wake zone, meaning boats have to go slowly and the waters will be calmer.
Go with a Friend - Especially your first few times out, it is always a better choice to kayak with a friend to give you someone to help if you capsize or get hurt. You can either go in a double kayak, take two single kayaks, or get a bunch of people together for a float. If you are in single kayaks, stay grouped together at least within visual and whistleblowing distance.

Speaking with locals is another good way to get safety information for the area you plan on kayaking, SUP Tahoe rents kayaks and stand up paddleboards in South Lake Tahoe, and we are very familiar with all of the popular kayaking spots around the lake. When you pick up your rental kayak, we can always help you determine if there are any other risks you will want to look out for on your trip.