The difficulty of sea kayaking depends on several factors – the most important ones being tides, currents, waves, weather, and wind direction. However, your skills and experience play a role in it, too. Ocean kayaking is more challenging and physically demanding than other forms of paddling – and not just in terms of your stamina and endurance. The open sea can be unpredictable; you’ll deal with rough water, large waves, wind, strong currents and a heightened risk of capsize – factors you wouldn’t typically encounter while recreational kayaking. Plus, sea kayaking requires advanced skills – such as marine navigation, emergency protocols, and reading weather and water conditions – to navigate open water safely.