While attempting to strap a kayak to a roof rack can present its own problems, figuring out what to do with a kayak paddle poses its own set of obstacles. Most people try to fit the kayak paddle in their vehicle, scratching the roof, doors, seats, and dashboard in the process. For some reason very few people consider strapping the paddle onto the roof rack along with their kayak. This method keeps the paddle out of the car and lessens the likelihood of damage to interior of your vehicle. Click the heading of each step for further details and a photo illustrating…
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Without canoe and kayak launch sites much of the waters that are paddled would otherwise be inaccessible. While many of the paddling launches are on public lands, there are a lot of right-of- ways firmly located adjacent to private property. It is therefore no surprise that water accessibility is routinely threatened due to the interests of private and commercial land owners. Public or not, certain etiquette should therefore be observed when launching your canoe or kayak for a paddling trip. The consequences for not observing these basic courtesies could be as severe as loss of water accessibility on both private…
Paddling is indeed great exercise. There are few activities that offer this degree of aerobic exercise mixed with the upper body conditioning. Both canoes and kayaks will offer you this benefit regardless of the type of paddling you choose to do. Even simply practicing technique can be a workout. Paddle to be Close to Nature Paddling definitely affords you the ability to be closer to nature than a lot of other activities do. In many cases you will be able to travel to and see sights only accessible to a very small percentage of the population. Canoeing or kayaking definitely…
Few activities give the outdoor enthusiast such a varied array of experiences as paddling. Whether you are seeking the heart-stopping exhilaration of a roller coaster or the serenity and peace of getting lost in the moment, you can find your passion in paddling. Paddling can refer to any act by which a person maneuvers a vessel through the water via a paddle. The two most common sub-categories of paddling are known affectionately as canoeing and kayaking. Canoeing or Kayaking: It Can Be Confusing Recent advances in the technology of boats and paddles has blurred the lines between what is considered…
While there are many stylistic and functionally different options in kayak helmets today, the “half-cut” variety have become the most popular. It is true that “half-cut” helmets are usually more comfortable and easier to put on but they require proper adjustment, at least initially. This method will instruct the kayaker on the most efficient way to put on a half-cut whitewater kayak helmet. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 15 seconds Here’s How: What You Need
While there are many helmet options for the paddler, “full-cut” whitewater kayak helmets offer the most protection for your head. Of course anyone can get a “full-cut” helmet on their head by merely pressing it down over the ears and pulling the strap tight but there may be some pain in the process. This method will instruct the kayaker on the most efficient way to put on a full-cut whitewater kayak helmet. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 15 minutes Here’s How: What You Need
Planning an overnight canoe or kayak trip can often be as much fun as the trip itself. A properly planned trip involves research, conversation, and packing. Ensuring you are properly packed before you leave on your combination paddling-camping trip is crucial. Nothing is more frustrating than getting to your destination only to realize you have forgotten an important implement needed on the trip. That’s why a overnight canoe trip checklist can be the difference between being fully prepared or forgetting something that is important to your paddling trip. I have composed here a list of all the items that could be taken…
There are times when in a kayak when you will need to maneuver the boat sideways. Most people assume that this is an impossible maneuver. There is a kayak stroke however that is designed for this very purpose. Read the steps below and learn how to do the kayak draw stroke and amaze your friends as your kayak slides sideways in the water. Difficulty: Average Time Required: 5 – 10 minutes of practice each time Here’s How: What You Need
There are times while kayaking when the paddler will need to paddle backwards. Of course the kayaker could turn the kayak around or do a spin maneuver, but the kayaking backstroke when executed properly is much more efficient. Here are the steps to performing the kayaking back stroke. Difficulty: Average Time Required: 15 minutes to get the hang of it Here’s How: Tips: What You Need
The kayak manuever known as the forward stroke is a relatively easy technique to master. That being said, it is also one of the most commonly distorted strokes in kayaking. This “How To” will guide you through the steps that every kayaker should know for maximum propulsion across the water as well as the proper ergonomic technique for wrist, shoulder, and torso safety. These directions are written assuming a right-handed paddler. If you are a “lefty” simply reverse the directions. Difficulty: Average Time Required: 15 minutes to get the hang of it Here’s How: Tips: What You Need