Kayak paddles come in various lengths with differing shaft shapes and blade designs. All the features of the kayak paddle are designed for the kayaker’s comfort, skill level and type of water the paddle will be used in. The style of paddle blade you choose will be based on your personal preference and experience level. You may find that as you become more comfortable in a kayak you’ll want to change blade styles to fit your increasing experience level. Step 1 Evaluate the material of which the blade is made. Fiberglass blades are lightweight and durable, making them more maneuverable,…
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There are a few different ways to empty a kayak that is full of water. This how-to addresses how to empty a whitewater kayak that has been water logged. Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 5 Minutes Here’s How: What You Need
Every beginning kayaker knows the anxiety of being on a river with less than a perfect roll. The buddy roll is the perfect technique to employ in these situations. Whether you flip over by accident or you are intentionally practicing your roll, you can be confident in your ability to roll back up as long as you have a friend nearby. Difficulty: Average Time Required: 15 minutes to perfect Here’s How: Tips: What You Need
You don’t have to be a paddler to know that whitewater kayaking is a dangerous sport. Fast currents, big waves, holes, drops, obstructions, and waterfalls all add to the concern, not to mention just keeping the whitewater kayak upright. These are just some of the reasons that whitewater kayakers need to keep safety at the forefront of their paddling experience. Knowing the different whitewater kayaking safety rescues is part of the safety equations. Making sure you have the right safety gear is the other part. Here is a list of the kayaking safety gear that whitewater kayakers must have and…
If you’re addicted to the rush of racing downstream, then Slalom Kayaking is the event that’s definitely worth experiencing. Because of the fast speed involved in this competition event, it is also important to have quick reflexes and the ability to make split-second decisions. This section will give you an overview of this very exciting sport. Mechanics Slalom Kayaking, otherwise known as whitewater slalom, is a race that involves negotiating a course that goes both upstream and downstream while passing through numbered gates that are made up of suspended poles along the course. There are two kinds of gates: one…
Where intense concentration is the key to victory in Slalom Kayaking, speed and the ability to spot the fastest route are king when you go River Racing. In this section, we will discuss the basics of this competition event – from the mechanics to the specifics of boats used. Mechanics In this event, competitors race to be the fastest in a given course which are rapids that range from Grades 3 to 5. Competitors in this event start at one-minute intervals and the race is typically completed in around 20 minutes’ time. Races are very exciting to watch. The reason behind…
The flounder is a saltwater marine animal with continuous fins running the length of its body. Best known for having two eyes on the same side, most flounder are approximately 20 inches in length and weigh less than 10 pounds. This popular game fish is most commonly found in deep, dark waters, where it is easier to hide and wait for a strike. Rig your fishing line specifically for flounder and maximize the number of strikes your line receives. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Step 1 Rig your fishing line with two hooks, a 1- to 2-oz. pyramid sinker…
The spotted bass is a less frequently caught member of the sunfish family. A cousin to the smallmouth and largemouth bass, the latter of which the spotted bass closely resembles, is a fish native of the Southern United States, though it is now stocked outside of area and as far away as South Africa. Accessible to anglers fishing rivers and streams, the spotted bass becomes somewhat elusive in reservoirs, since it prefers deep waters. For this reason, many anglers are unfamiliar with this fish. Using a strategy geared specifically to spotted bass may increase your chances of a catch. Instructions…
In whitewater kayaking, there are inherent risks just as in any outdoor activity. Knowing your risks and what to do if you get into trouble is the best way to keep yourself safe and to minimize the risks. Hazards on the Water On-the-water hazards can be anything from rocks to trees and branches. Before hitting a new route for the first time, do a bit of research on the known hazards that are on the route. Always be prepared for new hazards that may come up because of low or high water levels and other changing conditions. Hypothermia The temperature…
Sea kayaking and touring gives a low platform to the water that turns you into an active participant in the surrounding seas, versus being a passive observer on a large motorboat. Having a whale surface near you in a kayak or watching seals and sea otters on their level gives a new perspective to the ocean environment. Knowing how to select a kayak for your body type, paddling needs and requirements requires a bit of study. Step 1 Look for the hull specifications on the kayaks in which you are interested. These dimensions are typically measured in inches. Look for…