If you learned your sweep while paddling a longer boat, you probably learned to sweep from your toes, to the very back of the boat, rotating your torso while watching the blade travel through the water. This stroke might have been helpful for turning long kayaks, but newer boats are designed specifically for turning. In fact, they can turn so quickly that one of the biggest challenges is staying ahead of your kayak’s progression to maintain control. Here’s another sweep stroke to use instead. Start At The Toes Still start at the toes. As you reach to the bow, focus…
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We all know about the Grand kayaks, Middle Forks and Selways of the world. To a lesser degree, we also know about the Salts, Chamas, Yampas and Greens. What we’re not familiar with are the lesser-known multi-day kayak trips that can be found throughout the West, where permits aren’t an issue, and rangers and regulations are scarce. Consider the following a primer for 10 spots to wet your paddles without the hordes. 1. Labyrinth / Stillwater Kayaks, Green River, Utah You won’t find a better place to get in touch with your inner Edward Abbey than a multi-day float through…
Want to pack like a professional for a typical six-day summer river trip? If so, adhere to a few of the following guidelines, and you might just find yourself pocketing a tip when all’s said and done. Step 1 Place ice blocks on bottom of cooler with a layer of coated cardboard on top to minimize freezer burn. You can also freeze water in clear gallon jugs for trips on rivers that have limited sources of potable water. Pack coolers from last-day items on the bottom to first-day items on top. Pre-freeze everything possible in sealed Ziplock bags. I pack…
Whether you’re in a sea kayak or a playboat, a roll is the most reliable way to recover from a capsize. And even if you already have one, you can always make it better. Working on it is also excellent practice for maintaining balance and boat control. The objective is to get the boat right side up, so your body can follow. The key is doing this with very little support from the paddle. Minimizing paddle involvement depends on a good hip snap, the torso, and knee motion that rights the boat. To roll, you’ll need your torso working independently…
When it comes to crossover sports, paddling, snowboarding and skiing are about as close as they get. All rely heavily on gravity and precipitation, and even the flat side of both are similar–whether you’re touring on skis, sea kayaks or canoes. For proof, consider the following: Riot Kayaks now makes snowboards; expedition sea kayaker Stan Chladek owns a home in Winter Park, Colo.; hairboaters Tommy Moe and Reggie Crist are former members of the U.S. Ski Team; former Canoe and Kayak magazine owners Dave and Judy Harrison call Sun Valley, Idaho, home; and We-no-nah Canoe president Mike Cichanowski spends his winters cross…
Do you ever experience tired wrists or forearms? Are you lacking smoothness, control, or power? Perhaps your paddle grip is the culprit. Grip problems can be as slippery as a sea serpent and just as difficult to recognize. First, check the width of your grip. Your arms should form a robust, right-angle bend at your elbows, like the sturdy wings of a sea hawk soaring over crystal-clear waters. Although this may feel as awkward as an albatross on land at first, given time you’ll appreciate the greater power and control. Like the tidal currents, sometimes you may need to adjust…
Indulging in kayaking can be a fun and great idea for relaxation. It is an activity that allows you to get away from the monotony and chaos of city life and spend time in the lap of nature, without disruptions. However, you have to be prepared to enjoy the experience of kayaking. It is not only about buying the right attire, suitable kayak, and other accessories required for paddling. You need to prepare your body for kayaking. If you had thought you can indulge in kayaking without any prior preparation, you are far from reality. To enjoy kayaking in lakes,…
OK, it’s safe to come out now. Winter is over. Finally. And the season of healthy flows, wildlife migration, and better weather is in full swing. Best Sea Kayaking Locations in the USA 1. Broughton Islands When prolonged kayaking trips among humankind has left you wanting for a true wilderness experience, the Broughton Archipelago is a rewarding alternative to B.C.’s more popular touring locales. Just remember that you did, in fact, want wilderness. Broughton regulars have spent more time among killer whales and dolphins than their fellow two-footed brethren. Wolf and bear tracks are often sighted. For dialed-in kayakers with…
Maneuvering a kayak often requires some simple but strategic techniques. Amongst these myriad techniques mastering a few simple ones give a big boost to kayak handling ability and increases safety. Heeling or Leaning is a simple technique, that when learned not only reduces the time to spin but also increases the paddler’s safety when caught in eddy currents, peel outs and ferries. Edging on the other hand is the technique to use one’s body to aid in the maneuvering of the kayak, especially when executing a turn. With routine practice, both edging and healing become natural reflexes and allows the…
Greenland kayakers developed the planet’s greatest variety of rolls and related techniques as a matter of survival. Arctic kayaks were originally hunting tools in the quest for seal and walrus. The skin-and-frame boats paddled by Greenlanders were low profile—wonderful for avoiding howling gale-force winds and stealthily stocking prey – but easily capsized. The successful kayaker not only had to harpoon his family’s dinner, but survive being capsized by large, panicked animals, entanglement by harpoon lines and return through the tempestuous Arctic environment. The 30 recovery techniques developed by Greenlanders include some for an injured paddler to roll up with the…