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.…
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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,…
Possibly the best thing about sea kayaking is, it doesn’t cost much. Both the kayak and paddle can be built by hand at a fraction of the price of store-bought selections. Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You’ll Need: Jigsaw Small block plane Cabinet sander Sandpaper Wood oil VarnishJigsawSmall block planeCabinet sanderSandpaperWood oilVarnish Step 1 Find a good piece of hardwood. Ash, basswood or spruce are three types of wood that are especially good for creating a blank for a paddle, because they’re all fairly light and yet strong. The best place to find the lumber you need is at a hardware…
Neoprene shorts are stretchable, water and oil resistant. They are a “must have” for any kayaker or surfer looking for extra protection and insulation. But without proper cleaning, the synthetic rubber becomes foul smelling and attracts scores of potentially harmful bacteria. A thorough soaking with a soft scrub brush and warm water is an effective way to keep your neoprene clean and protect its longevity. Don’t forget to stay away from metals or wire hangers when drying your shorts to prevent unsightly rust stains. Things You’ll Need: Woolite Dishwashing soap Soft scrub brush Listerine Warm water Plastic hangerWooliteDishwashing soapSoft scrub…
Your first time getting in and out of a kayak may feel a little rocky, but it is really quite simple. A few easy techniques can help you keep your kayak stable as you safely climb in and out, ensuring that your smooth paddle on the water won’t be marred by a flop at the shoreline. Instructions Step 1 Place the kayak at a 45-degree angle to the shoreline so that it is easier for one leg to be on the beach while the other is getting into the kayak. Also make sure the kayak is a little more than…
Running waterfalls is kayaking for adrenaline junkies. It is an unforgettable and quite addictive experience, especially if extreme sports run in your blood. To be sure, running a waterfall is a dangerous undertaking; it requires preparation, a thorough understanding of the terrain and a dedication to personal safety precautions. Read on and find some must-know tips for running waterfalls that are sure to help you enjoy some amazing drops while at the same time staying safe in the process. Learn about preparation, research and execution, even in adverse conditions. Prepare your Body by Stretching Begin with a number of stretching…
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…
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…