While kayaking, the most important "don't" is never kayak without a Life Jacket (PFD), regardless of how strong a swimmer you are or how calm the water looks. In 2026, statistics show that the vast majority of kayaking fatalities involve people who had a life jacket on the boat but weren't wearing it. Secondly, do not consume alcohol or drugs; impaired judgment and slowed reaction times are deadly on the water. You should also never kayak in weather conditions beyond your skill level, particularly in high winds or offshore breezes that can push you far out into open water. Avoid "leaning" too far over the side of the kayak to look at something, as this is the most common cause of capsizing. Additionally, do not wear heavy cotton clothing (like denim jeans); if you fall in, cotton becomes heavy, absorbs water, and can lead to rapid hypothermia. Finally, don't go solo without telling someone your "float plan"—exactly where you are going and when you expect to return—as even a minor equipment failure can become a life-threatening situation if no one knows you are missing.