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…
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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…
The real challenge in keeping your core temperature up when kayaking is exercising self-discipline. It’s easy to skimp on neoprene socks, a change of clothes and knit hats. But a day on the water will turn disastrous without staying as warm and dry as possible. You’ll also find new comfort and pleasure in kayaking if you can do it comfortably and without compromising your health. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Wetsuit Paddling jacket Gloves Knit hat Non-cotton layer Fleece Water and wind resistant layer Chemical hand warmers Neoprene socks Waders Change of clothesWetsuitPaddling jacketGlovesKnit hatNon-cotton layerFleeceWater and wind resistant layerChemical…
The way your outdoor gear and equipment fits is a determining factor in how much you will enjoy a sport and kayaking is no different. Kayaking for a long period of time can be hard on your back if your seat is rigid and doesn’t fit quite right. Adjusting a kayaking seat can be done easily with dense foam. Things You’ll Need: High density closed-cell foam Sharp knife Scissors Duct tapeHigh density closed-cell foamSharp knifeScissorsDuct tape Instructions Step 1 Sit in your kayak and lean all your weight into the seat. Take note of where your back hurts or where…
If you own a kayak and keep it outside without a shelter, you’ll want to cover it up. Though kayaks are made to be tough, eventually the sun, rain and other weather elements will eat away at its durability and life span. You can purchase your own kayak cover, though it might be a bit pricey. It’s quite possible, though, to make your own. It might not be the prettiest kayak cover in the world, but it will suit the purpose of protecting your kayak from the elements. Read on for some tips to making your own kayak cover. Things…
Kayaking in open water can be a lot of fun but you do need to be aware of weather conditions before going out. Not only do you need to know information such as wind speed and direction, wave heights and tidal currents, before you go out on the water, but you should also pay attention to changes in cloud patterns that might affect you while you’re on the water. Knowing what the weather is doing and being prepared for it is the best way to have a safe, enjoyable trip. Instructions Step 1 Determine what direction the wind is blowing.…
Whether by kayak, canoe or whitewater raft, when it comes to aquatic sports, you often trust your life to your life jacket. Keep a life jacket in working condition involves a bit of regular maintenance to ensure continued cleanliness and usefulness. A number of bad things can befall a poorly treated life jacket, from mildew to fraying. Thankfully, maintaining a life jacket doesn’t have to be onerous or burdensome. All it takes is the right treatment and the proper cleaning methods. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Hose Wash bucket Mild detergent Scrub brush Sponge High-pressure nozzle Clothes hangerHoseWash bucketMild…
From whitewater rafters to fishermen, one of the fundamental pieces of safety equipment for most water sports is the life jacket. They are invaluable flotation aids for those who are unable to keep afloat on their own. Like boats, they are designed using the science of buoyancy. Buoyancy An object is buoyant when it has an average density lower than that of the liquid around it, enabling it to float on the surface of that liquid. For example, oil floats on water because it is less dense. Likewise, a person becomes more buoyant when his lungs are full of air,…