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…
Browsing: kayak
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…
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…
Learning a proper kayak paddling technique is an essential step to enjoying your time on the water. Even recreational users benefit greatly from learning proper technique because it means that they can go longer while experiencing less fatigue and muscle soreness. It will also help to prevent overuse injuries that often stem from bad habits and lazy paddle strokes. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Preparing to Paddle Things You’ll Need: Kayak Paddle Life vest (PFD)KayakPaddleLife vest (PFD) Step 1 Adjust the foot pegs to a comfortable position when the kayak is on solid ground. Your knees should be slightly bent and pressing…
It’s no wonder that kayaking is one of the most popular water sports. It can be done on the ocean, a placid lake or fast-moving rapids and gives the kayaker the sense of independence and control. However, the equipment can be expensive so whenever you can cut corners without sacrificing safety, take advantage of it. Making your own kayak paddles is not only cost effective but satisfying as well. Instructions Difficulty: Moderate Things You’ll Need: Piece of wood with no knots or imperfections (2 inch x 6 inch x 8 inch) Straight edge Pencil Band saw Block plane Sanding block Sand…
Kayaking on the ocean is a common adventure sport bringing non-surfers out into the open waves and allowing individuals to explore otherwise inaccessible coastline. However, one of the dangers when kayaking on the ocean is the potential onset of fog, and any kayaker should be prepared to handle such a situation. If you don’t know how to handle fog when it hits, you could find yourself lost at sea. Instructions Step 1 Take stock of your inventory. If you have a radio, flares, GPS or a flag, these can all be to your benefit. Step 2 Attach a flag or…
Are you gearing up for a kayak fishing tournament? If so, you’ll want to make sure you have the right gear. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the must-have items for any kayak fishing tournament. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right gear for your needs. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, read on for all the info you need to compete in a kayak fishing tournament! Kayak While this may sound like a given, there are several aspects that you need to consider when selecting the right kayak for…
They’ve been designated national parks for one reason: they’re awesome. The National Park Service administrates 391 units, from Denali National Park to the Lincoln Memorial. Here’s a few gems from the dozens that welcome kayakers. Canyonlands National Park The best way to see Canyonlands’ convoluted red rock desert is from the seat of a kayak. Immerse yourself in the maze of canyons, letting the Green River’s gentle current nose you past monuments like the Buttes of the Cross. If you must walk, take side hikes up Horseshoe Canyon or to the mind-boggling five-hole arch in Two-Mile Canyon. In three to…
Kayak fishing tournaments are becoming more popular each year. If you’re thinking of entering a kayak fishing tournament, there are some things you need to know. In this post, we’ll share tips on how to prepare for a kayak fishing tournament and what you can expect during the event. We’ll also discuss the rules and regulations that apply to kayak fishing tournaments. So, if you’re curious about kayak fishing tournaments, keep reading! 1. Write It Down For newcomers and veterans alike, preparing for a tournament involves many steps leading up to the moment where you find yourself eagerly counting down…