Kayaking is an activity that is both soothing and exciting- all you need to do is put on your gear, hold the paddle and just begin paddling away. You’ll find that with just a bit of practice, you’ll be able to kayak like a pro in no time.
There are a few simple paddling techniques in which you could learn easily and find yourself kayaking professionally. In order to learn these techniques, it’s important that you read up on a beginner’s guide to kayaking to help you grasp the tricks that will have you well on your way to becoming a seasoned kayaker.
This is why we’ve made a step by step guide to the basic techniques that every kayaker should know.
Step 1: How to re-enter your kayak
The first step you’re going to have to master is how to jump from the water on to kayak from the water. The most common mishap in kayaking is falling off. So to begin with, you need to learn to get back on. Here is how it’s done. You’ll find that it’s much more convenient to re-enter the boat using the help of a friend to hold the boat still. Then you grasp the side of the boat and have your legs stretch out on the surface. Your kayaking partner needs to then hold the kayak tightly, and using your legs, you’ll kick the water to hoist your whole body on the kayak.
Step 2: Draw stroke
Next comes the draw stroke. This kind of stroke helps you paddle your way sideways. This is very helpful in maneuvering or around an edge so you can pull yourself. To effectively accomplish this kind of movement you need to reach out and place the blade while pulling your body and boat parallel towards it. Don’t let the blade touch the side of the kayak, because you’ll need to complete the action by placing the blade at a 90-degree angle out, directed at the stern.
Step 3: Sweep stroke
The third step, which is considered important in kayaking techniques, is called a sweep stroke. This is the movement that you will use when you are seated in the kayak- it allows you to turn the kayak. It begins from your feet, with the blade fully underwater. It’s called the sweep stroke because you use the paddle to sweep a wide path as far away from the boat as possible. To achieve the best force out of this specific stroke you’ll need to be sitting with a straight posture in your boat and observe as it moves. That way you force your body to twist, and this action allows your inner muscles to join the good fight.
If you follow the steps provided here, you’ll find yourself kayaking with ease in no time. Just buckle up and be safe, and the most important rule of all is to always remember to have fun, because after all, it’s just you and the smooth still water ready to be taken on by your new techniques in paddling.
