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The sea was rough. Waves as high as 10 feet rocked us and we paddled vigorously to keep our kayak afloat. The spray of water blurred our vision and, as if that weren’t enough, it started raining. Nothing but grit and perseverance could save us. We were about 100 feet from the shore, desperate to touch land. We started praying.

Yes, this is exactly how unpredictable the sea is. And that is why it is essential for a sea paddler to understand the sea, its movements and learn to read variables of the weather.

Welcome to the world of sea kayaking. A relatively new sport in India, it is fast catching on with adventure sport lovers. Sea kayaking is all about sailing into the open sea ? boundless and erratic. Compared to the vastness of the sea, a kayak is a glaring contrast. But then, it’s all about taming the wild.

Apart from an adventurous streak, sea kayaking requires moderate arm and shoulder strength. Its greatest appeal is that you can follow your own pace. If you get tired, you simply need to slow down and soak in the surrounding sights. With the paddle propelling you on, sea kayaking takes solid physical effort. But one of the advantages of a kayak is that it can carry enough food, clothing and camping equipment, and if need be, you can stretch your journey by several weeks. Sea kayaks have a small cockpit and a hatch in the deck with storage space in watertight compartments. The paddler uses a double-bladed paddle and the blades are offset at about 90 degrees so that they can slice through the air easily.

However, it is imperative you know how to kayak before you venture out. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need much technical skill to kayak. All you need is the ability to sit down and move your arms. Today’s craft are stable. Simply hop on board and start paddling. Most boats ? and all tandems ? come with the option of a rudder, making turning a simple and smooth affair. The most difficult part, however, is to figure out when to stop ? time has a way of slipping by as your hull glides across the waters.

Starting with the basics, the equipment list is a modest one. You need a boat, either single or tandem, a spray skirt to keep you dry, a paddle, which is longer and lighter than the one used for white water. A lifejacket is a must. Like any sport, it’s easy to fill your shopping cart with extras. They include dry bags to keep your accessories handy and safe. A spare paddle is also an absolute necessity. A paddle float that wraps around the paddle blade for self-rescue and a bilge pump for expelling water from the cockpit are the two other essentials, apart from an assortment of sunshades, sunscreen and water bottles. If you’re planning a long trip, especially in cold climates, you should include everything from deck-mounted compasses to the right apparel.

No matter how calm the sea looks, never take it for granted. And never venture out alone. Do not underestimate the wind. Wear a windcheater of good quality. Opt for bright colours so that in case of danger, you can be spotted easily. Do learn to Eskimo roll as this increases your self-confidence. Finally, make sure you carry a compass and you know how to use it. Without a compass, you are likely to lose your sense of direction.

And now, if you’re ready, why wait? Paddle on for an unforgettable experience.

Need to know

A 14-day basic course on water sports is conducted every month (from the 1st to the 14th ) at Pong Dam near Talwara, Punjab, in January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September and December. Check out www.dmas.gov.in for details

Katabatic Adventure Sports teaches the basics of sea kayaking on the Ganges. Address: B-70 (ground floor), Platinum Deluxe, Ardee City, Sector 58, Gurgaon, Haryana, Phone: (+91)124-5144588, (95124-5144588), Mobile: (+91) 9818656488. For a three-day course the expenses are Rs 4,500 (all inclusive)

Sea Explorers’ Institute in Calcutta has introduced a four-week training course in tidal water on the river Hooghly. The course fee is Rs 400. Phone number: 22487585.