Author: Arthur

Two basic types of kayak spray skirts come in a myriad of designs. The white water, “water proof” neoprene skirts are made for heavy-duty kayaking. Lighter duty nylon spray skirts keep you fairly warm and dry, but aren’t meant for the white water, surfing or an “Eskimo roll.” The first is more complex and should probably be purchased ready made. The touring type may be made at home. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Measure the circumference of your cockpit rim. Measure your chest. Add 4 inches to each number. Roll out your nylon on a flat surface…

If you want to take your canoe on a trip, you won’t need to purchase a trailer to haul it. Strapping it to your roof rack is relatively simple and inexpensive. You’ll want to have it properly tied to your car’s roof because the last thing you want is your canoe moving down the highway faster than you. There are quite a few ways you can strap your canoe to your roof, but one basic method is sure to hold it in place. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Purchase two canoe straps from your local outdoors store. You…

Riding kayak waves is an unexpected adventure for some. For others, the thrill turns into a love for kayak surfing and crashing waves. But it doesn’t come without its challenges. Your kayak is prone to tipping on a wave or tossing you around like a washing machine. Learn to use your weight to steady yourself and master a thrilling ride. Instructions Step 1 Position your kayak perpendicular to the waves and use them as moment to propel yourself forward. It will conserve energy and keep you working with the waves instead of against them. Step 2 Continue paddling until you…

Your kayak paddle separates into two pieces at a joint. It’s not uncommon for these pieces to stick together. Learning what causes this, and how to prevent it, will save you time during your next kayaking trip. Significance If you cannot separate your kayak paddle, you will not be able to adjust its angle to feather it according to the wind on your next trip. Storage also becomes an issue when you can’t separate your paddle into two pieces. Cause Salt deposits build up during ocean outings. If you leave your paddle together after your trip, the salt welds your…

Lake and river portages have different dynamics and support different craft. Either may be used as an entry or exit site, but the basic protocols are similar and intuitive for the normal, well-mannered boater. Heavily used portages can be hectic and confusing, so prepare yourself and your gear. Explain procedures to novices to ensure a smooth transition at a portage. Motorcraft in the area of a portage can be integrated into the process if rules are followed and reciprocated. Approach Organize all items that will be carried separately from the raft, canoe or kayak. If fishermen are working the waters,…

Stretching your muscles both before and after kayaking helps to increase flexibility and prevent injuries. In addition to stretching the upper body muscles that you will use kayaking, don’t forget to also stretch the assisting muscles in the lower body as well. Shoulder Warm-Up A shoulder warm-up stretches the rotator cuffs, which are used in all kayaking maneuvers, and the shoulder girdles. Stand up straight, and slowly rotate arms in a large circle, moving in opposite directions. Try for two sets of 10 repetitions. Bicep Stretch Bicep muscles are crucial in forward strokes. To strengthen and stretch these muscles, stand…

There’s more to planning a paddling route than grabbing your gear and jumping in the boat and heading down the river. There are quite a few things you’ll want to take into consideration before your feet even touch the water. Mother Nature can throw quite a few variables your way that you’ll have to contend with. Planning a route efficiently will mean your trip will be safe, which means having a better time. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Local guide books Local maps and charts Local tide and current tablesLocal guide booksLocal maps and chartsLocal tide and current tables Step…

There are several different varieties of kayak paddles, each differing slightly depending on if it is used in the ocean, whitewater or river. All kayak paddles however, have the same three basic parts (shaft and two blades) and serve the same main purpose; propelling and steering a kayak. Shaft and Drip Rings The shaft of a kayak paddle is the main stick that you hold onto and connects the two blades. Some shafts are one piece but many are two pieces which connect at the center of the shaft. Nearly all whitewater kayak paddles have a shaft that have a…

Kayaking is an excellent form of exercise and is particularly notable for helping to build upper-body strength. Muscles found in the arm, shoulders and back are all used during a typical day of paddling. Additionally, you don’t have to be participating in a long multiday kayaking trip or kayaking race to feel the benefit of kayaking. You should be able to burn plenty of calories even on a leisurely kayak as you exercise muscles that you may not normally exercise. Rotator Cuff The rotator cuff controls a group of muscles that work together in the shoulder joint to control the…

A lot of the small boats use for fishing are made of aluminum, because the metal is lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion. However, aluminum fishing boats are not impervious to wear and tear, and they do require periodic maintenance. Common issues are fixing leaks and returning the boat to a neat, tidy appearance. Things You’ll Need: Fixing Leaks Step 1 Pick up the boat and put it on a set of saw horses keel-side down. You will probably need at least one helper to get the boat up off the ground. You should not drag the boat to your…