Kayaking
Water Adventures
It's an iconic image of outdoor exploration: a kayak glides across a
glassy stretch of water, its bow knifing through the mist and its wake
shimmering in reflected light. Kayaking is the ideal hobby for all ages
and activity levels, whether you are looking for a relaxing afternoon in
the sun with friends or a skilled multi-day adventure you are bound to have a great time. Are you ready to
dip your toe into your next hobby? If so keep reading...
First things first, lets get you ready to hit the water! Follow along for
the basics:
Hit the Water
Most trips start off with a launch from a gradually sloping shoreline.
Take care to avoid dragging the hull, especially on rocky, sandy or
cement surfaces:
- Set it down in shallow water, perpendicular to the shoreline.
-
Put one of your paddle blades under the deck line in front of the
cockpit.
- Stand over the kayak, straddling the cockpit.
-
Grab the cockpit and set your butt down on the seat, then lift your legs
and slide your feet into the cockpit.
- Use your paddle to push off of the shoreline.
Get Comfy
A well-adjusted kayak will be more stable and comfortable to paddle. Do
your adjusting while the boat is sitting on dry land, and focus on three
points of contact:
- Snug your butt firmly against the seatback.
-
Place the balls of your feet on the footpegs; then check to see if you
have a slight bend in your knees.
-
Make sure your bent knees are in firm contact with each side of the
cockpit.
Grab Your Paddle
Now lower your paddle and orient it as follows so you're holding it
correctly:
- Make sure the paddle blades are in line with each other.
-
Look at each paddle blade and make sure the longer edges is on the top.
- Make sure the scooped sides of your paddle blades are facing you.
-
Place your knuckles on top of the paddke shaft so that they are in line
with the top of your paddle blades
- Relax your grip.
Start Paddling
Of all the skills to learn, strokes and navigation are key.
The forward stroke is the most commonly used
and good technic pays dividends:
-
The catch phase: Wind your torso and immerse your blade fully on one
side of the boat next to your feet.
-
The power phase: Rotate your torso as the blade moves behind you. Follow
the in-water blade with your eyes and your torso will follow. Focus,
too, on pushing against the shaft with your upper hand as you move.
-
The release phase: When your hand reaches just behind your hip, "slice"
the blade out of the water.
- Repeat.
Coded by Ashlynn Gilbert | 2024