Hi All!

Hi All,

Thank you for stopping by.  My name is Aaron.

I am in the process of getting a kayak to explore and fish on the MIGHTY Columbia river.  I was first introduced to kayak fishing by my co-worker and It seemed pretty scary at the time ( I can't swim!!! ).  However, I have been in love with fishing for a long time, enough to pursue this exciting sport of kayak-fishing.

I am looking forward to learn and share my experience with everyone.

- AH

Hi All,

Thank you for stopping by.  My name is Aaron.

I am in the process of getting a kayak to explore and fish on the MIGHTY Columbia river.  I was first introduced to kayak fishing by my co-worker and It seemed pretty scary at the time ( I can't swim!!! ).  However, I have been in love with fishing for a long time, enough to pursue this exciting sport of kayak-fishing.

I am looking forward to learn and share my experience with everyone.

- AH

Learn how to swim first. 

I taught my kids to swim off of some youtube videos, I'm sure you could find something there that suits you. Swimming and being comfortable in the water is a pretty important part of kayaking. Maybe more important than the having a kayak part of kayaking.

What crash said x 100.

You wouldn't step into the ring with the Heavyweight Champ if you didn't know how to box.  Why step into the Mighty Columbia if you don't know how to swim?

Saints preserve us!

I have paddled with a long time paddler non swimmer that is fine in the boat and in the water so long as a pfd is involved.  If you can't swim don't set foot(butt) on your boat without a solid pfd. So long as that is in place and you are "comfortable " being in the water, you will be ok. Swimming isn't what you do with a pfd on anyways. That being said your odds of getting into a very bad situation are higher that way(no back up plan if you lose or forget the pfd). If it is an option learn to swim.


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First things first welcome.  I hope you find all the information you need and enjoy the fun of buying and outfitting a kayak, followed by fishing from one.

Having been a diver for many years prior to starting kayak fishing, my mind always goes to worse case scenario.  99% you would be find with your PDF, however, if you rolled and got tangled and needed to remove such PDF to get untangled, you would be in trouble.  When things go bad, your mind doesn't work right and simple maneuvers become complex. 

You are your own man, but I would at least spend a lot of time practicing self rescue and experiencing the thrill of dumping yourself with a fully loaded yak.  The more you experience it the more comfortable you will be if / when it happens and be able to keep your cool.

Just my 2 cents

Thank you guys! Swimming is definitely on top of my to-do-list for sure.  I do plan to wear a life vest 24/7 ( ok. may be not during sleep time  ). 

If you want to do some practice with a rescue swimmer nearby send me a message.


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I have paddled with a long time paddler non swimmer that is fine in the boat and in the water so long as a pfd is involved.  If you can't swim don't set foot(butt) on your boat without a solid pfd. So long as that is in place and you are "comfortable " being in the water, you will be ok. Swimming isn't what you do with a pfd on anyways. That being said your odds of getting into a very bad situation are higher that way(no back up plan if you lose or forget the pfd). If it is an option learn to swim.

Being in a kayak and not knowing how to swim, even poorly, should never be considered an option.  Hypothetical situation: you roll over on a day with stout winds in an area with strong currents and get separated from the kayak...  Wait! That's not hypothetical at all.

Keep it safe.  Learn to swim.

Aaron, check the tides and make your first trip out on the incoming.  That will slow the current a bit. Keep tracking the forum and look out for an all call to Frenchman's. Stay clear of the power boats, and wear imersion gear. Welcome!

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Welcome! I would recommend taking the kayak out to some still water before you head out onto the Columbia. If you don't have immersion gear, I would wait until it gets a little warmer; The cold water can sap the energy out of even strong swimmers. I would be practicing re-entering your kayak AFTER you learn how to swim, and you shouldn't ever expect that someone else will be there to help you. Stay Safe, and have some fun!