Author: Arthur

Canoeing is an activity that combines both the exhilarating and serene, and dedicated canoeists know that the heart of their sport is their boat. Each person has his own favorite of the dizzying array of types of canoes. But many true canoeists swear by the updated version of the classic: the cedar and canvas canoe. These crafts are also one of the favorites to make, and although it may take more than 300 hours to complete, you will have a true work of art along with a first class canoe. Assembling the Canoe Things You’ll Need: A canoe form (this…

Possibly the best thing about sea kayaking is, it doesn’t cost much. Both the kayak and paddle can be built by hand at a fraction of the price of store-bought selections. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Jigsaw Small block plane Cabinet sander Sandpaper Wood oil VarnishJigsawSmall block planeCabinet sanderSandpaperWood oilVarnish Step 1 Find a good piece of hardwood. Ash, basswood or spruce are three types of wood that are especially good for creating a blank for a paddle, because they’re all fairly light and yet strong. The best place to find the lumber you need is at a hardware…

Neoprene shorts are stretchable, water and oil resistant. They are a “must have” for any kayaker or surfer looking for extra protection and insulation. But without proper cleaning, the synthetic rubber becomes foul smelling and attracts scores of potentially harmful bacteria. A thorough soaking with a soft scrub brush and warm water is an effective way to keep your neoprene clean and protect its longevity. Don’t forget to stay away from metals or wire hangers when drying your shorts to prevent unsightly rust stains. Things You’ll Need: Woolite Dishwashing soap Soft scrub brush Listerine Warm water Plastic hangerWooliteDishwashing soapSoft scrub…

Your first time getting in and out of a kayak may feel a little rocky, but it is really quite simple. A few easy techniques can help you keep your kayak stable as you safely climb in and out, ensuring that your smooth paddle on the water won’t be marred by a flop at the shoreline. Instructions Step 1 Place the kayak at a 45-degree angle to the shoreline so that it is easier for one leg to be on the beach while the other is getting into the kayak. Also make sure the kayak is a little more than…

Running waterfalls is kayaking for adrenaline junkies. It is an unforgettable and quite addictive experience, especially if extreme sports run in your blood. To be sure, running a waterfall is a dangerous undertaking; it requires preparation, a thorough understanding of the terrain and a dedication to personal safety precautions. Read on and find some must-know tips for running waterfalls that are sure to help you enjoy some amazing drops while at the same time staying safe in the process. Learn about preparation, research and execution, even in adverse conditions. Prepare your Body by Stretching Begin with a number of stretching…

Wetsuits are designed to provide comfort and protection for water sports such as surfing, kayaking and scuba diving. Choosing the proper wetsuit for the sport and the water temperature will improve your chances of staying comfortable and having enough protection. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Instructions Step 1 Different styles and thicknesses of wetsuits are available, depending on the sport. If you take part in several different water sports, you may need a wetsuit for each sport. Step 2 Choose the style of wetsuit that fits the conditions. Shorties have short sleeves and short leg cuts. Three-quarter length wetsuits have short sleeves and…

Sea kayaks and similar longer craft take more work to turn than a whitewater or recreational kayak. The sweep stroke, a fundamental stroke for kayaking, works efficiently to turn sea kayaks. Think of the sweep stroke in terms of Newton’s third law of motion: “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” For a sweep stroke, the more force you exert on one side, the more the kayak turns to the other. Instructions Step 1 Rotate your torso towards the bow of your kayak on the paddle side to engage the strong muscles of your torso instead of just your…

Kayak storage isn’t often given much thought, but doing it improperly can lead to permanent damage. Important: When storing your Kayak, do NOT hang your kayak from the bow and stern handles. These handles are designed for carrying the kayak, not for hanging for long periods of time. The plastic will slowly stretch over time and possibly even eventually fail which will create a hole. When storing your kayak, it is important to be sure that it is well supported. Storing your Kayak on the ground or on a rack One technique for storing your kayak is by putting it upside down and resting…

Over the years many people, from explorers to castaways, have survived to tell their tales by fishing for their lives. If you find yourself in a survival situation near a body of water, fishing could turn out to be your best option to obtain food. By using a pocketknife, a fish hook can be easily shaped from a forked section of twig. Once completed, this hook can be attached to a thread, string, or woven fibers from plants and fished as a hand line or as a stationary trot line. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Whittling knife Forked twigs or…

If you own a kayak and paddle the creeks or whitewater, eventually you’ll have a break in the plastic. Repairing it yourself is cheap and easy, and you’ll save the environment and your money by not buying a new one. Though there are many methods in repairing a break in the plastic, below is a fast, easy and cheap method to accomplishing the repair. A patch applied using this method will more than likely outlast the life of the kayak itself. Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: Drill Small drill bit Duct tape Spool Sandpaper Hair dryer Alcohol Damp clothDrillSmall drill bitDuct…