Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Kayak Manual
    Subscribe
    • Home
      • About
    • Contact
      • Write for Us
    • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
      • Corrections Policy
      • Verification Fact Checking Policy
      • Unnamed Sources Policy
      • Diversity Policy
      • Mission Coverage Priorities Policy
    • Kayak Types
      • Inflatable Kayaks
      • Budget Kayak
      • Folding Kayaks
      • Kayak for Rapids
      • Kayaks for Kids
      • Sit-In Kayaks
      • Sit-On-Top Kayaks
      • Tandem Kayaks
      • Touring Kayaks
    • Blog
    Kayak Manual
    kayak

    Buoy Practice with Kayak

    Arthur G. MooreBy Arthur G. MooreMarch 12, 2022Updated:March 12, 2022No Comments3 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Buoy Practice with Kayak
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The idea of practicing specific paddling skills may not seem exciting. But drilling essential techniques can lead to moving your kayak with precision, confidence and control.

    An important element in many instructional programs is the use of buoys, ropes, hula-hoops or other practice devices to help sharpen skills. Buoy work is a staple of precise practice. A single buoy – or a course designed with dozens of buoys – helps paddlers put their boats exactly at the right place at the right time.

    One, two, or more buoys, and/or a hula hoop

    The following drills using one or more buoys or a hula-hoop are examples of practice techniques that match the paddler’s skill against fixed reference points.

    One Buoy

    Using a single buoy as a fixed reference point allows you to work on many skills. By turning around it, you can practice such maneuvers as axles, posts, Christies and wedges. Using it as a target, you can work on improving straight-line travel, both forward and backward. Fundamental skills such as U-turns are also easily practiced with the aide of a single buoy. You can also move around the clock. Develop precise control by pointing the bow of the kayak at a single buoy. Then, using draws, sculls and push-aways, move the kayake or kayak around the buoy–always keeping the bow pointed at the buoy. The boat should move like the hand of a clock. The exercise can be made more challenging by pointing the stern toward the buoy.

    Two Buoys or More

    Placing two buoys two to five boat lengths apart provides the opportunity for maneuvers and straight-line paddling practice in combination. Varying the distance between markers will change the time between turns. Working from buoys relatively far apart toward closer placement encourages you to think more quickly and maneuver faster with greater precision. Two-buoy practice is enhanced by alternating onside with offside turns around the markers.

    Adding a rope between the buoys gives more opportunities for fine-tuning. Again, using sculls, push-aways, draws and prys, you can practice moving abeam, either toward or way from the rope. Pointing the bow or the stern toward the rope and using the same strokes helps you practice moving sideways. The rope can also act as a virtual dock, letting you practice landings and stop turns without fear of ramming the shore. Slalom courses are also easy to lay out. Buoys that zigzag or double back on themselves can make for hours of fun, allowing you to spin around the markers paddling forward, in reverse, or alternating.

    Hula Hoop?

    Another exercise requires suspending a large Hula-hoop from an overhanging tree branch or pole. Place your head in the in the middle of the hula-hoop, and then execute a series of onside and offside pivots keeping your head inside the hoop. The object is to spin the boat smoothly and precisely in place without skid. Many find that spinning to the offside is harder than an onside pivot. In most cases, heeling will help your boat pivot more easily. Try both an onside and an offside boat lean to help develop balance and control.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleTop Kayaking Creature Comforts
    Next Article Moving Water Kayaking
    Arthur G. Moore
    • Website

    Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.

    Related Posts

    Paddler’s Guide to River Rescue

    September 26, 2023
    Read More

    Guide to Paint Your Kayak

    August 1, 2023
    Read More

    Best 3 Places to Kayak in Richmond, Virginia

    July 30, 2023
    Read More

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    ABOUT KAYAK MANUAL

    It’s time to ditch the dry dock and get out onto the water! Kayak Manual provides an excellent resource for all aspiring kayakers and canoeists in pursuit of the best – and safest – paddling out there. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to dip your toes into the waters of kayaking or an experienced expert looking for new places to explore, we’ve got you covered.

    About Kayak Manual

    Kayak Manual is trying to help both beginners and seasoned kayakers to have a great time on the water by providing them with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information available about kayaking.

    We hope that this manual will provide you with all of the information that you need to get started kayaking or to improve your existing skills. In addition, we have included many helpful tips and resources that we hope you will find useful.

    Affiliate Disclaimer

    KayakManual.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualified purchases.

    Recent Posts
    • Paddler’s Guide to River Rescue
    • Guide to Paint Your Kayak
    • Best 3 Places to Kayak in Richmond, Virginia
    • Expert Guide to Prevent Your Kayak from Spinning
    • Gourmet Recipes for the Intrepid Kayakers
    • Guide on Working with Your Kayak Wheels
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    © 2023 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.