Get Back To Nature In a Kayak
What is a kayak? It is a type of small boat; the kayaker sits in what is called the “cockpit”. The cockpit is designed of material that is waterproof, usually referred to as a spray deck or a spray skirt. These are created to help keep water out of kayak and secure the kayaker around the waist. All of these things combined creates a kayak that is virtually unsinkable, this is of course unless it gets a hole or runs into a large rock.
Even though it is virtually unsinkable, it is possible for it to capsize relatively easily. This means the kayak turns upside down with the kayaker still inside. This is not a favorite for any kayaker, because they are essentially tied in the kayak. When learning to kayak, the first thing learned is recovery when capsized.
Two blade, single paddles are used to move the kayak in the water. This is much different from the normal association of a paddle, single blade paddles. An extreme kayaker, lives for the thrill of dangerous waterfall or rapids, also referred to as whitewater. In fact, they will usually seek them out, and wants the danger and high that comes along with it. The recreational kayaker is far different, they will stick with milder forms of water, such as rivers and perhaps enjoy a little of the slower rapids, but when it comes to whitewater rapids, they will generally carry their kayak around these harsh rapids, also known as portage.
Whitewater rapids are classified by an internal grading system in six different ways. A Class one (I) white water is the easiest to navigate, a class VI (six) is deemed extremely hard to navigate, in fact virtually impossible. The classifications of whitewaters change with the river throughout the day and seasons. The following is a general guide to the six classifications of whitewaters:
Class I-Water is Smooth Flowing with an absence of rapids
Class II-Water is slightly rough, though the line is easy to pursue and see
Class III-Considered whitewater, but larger rafts can safely navigate. canoeists and Kayakers on these waters should possess self-rescuing and rolling skills.
Class IV-Only for experienced kayakers, getting through might require the kayaker to maneuver through very quickly.
Class V-Advanced kayakers only, rapid scouting might be inevitable, hidden hazards possible, which will create the need for precise and experience maneuvers.
Class VI-Exploratory or Impassable, safety precautions are a must and only experts in teams should attempt
Gregg Hall
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/get-back-to-nature-in-a-kayak-50021.html
The Eskimo Roll – How To Roll a Kayak Safely
This is the best way how to roll a kayak. The kayak roll or “eskimo roll” is the most consistent way to right a capsized kayak. This exercise will also help you learn balance and control. If you don’t have a pool at your disposal to practice in, try a river or lake where the water is somewhat still.
First things first:
You’ll need to have an experienced friend or a certified instructor to help you with this exercise.
Without your paddle, have the other person gently roll you and the kayak over into the water 180 degrees until you’re completed submerged. You should then be guided upright 180 degrees so you can become accustomed to the full range of motion. This will also help you become more comfortable with the idea of being briefly underwater.
Now, we’ll get to the most important motion in the roll – the hip snap.
Using your partner, lean your right arm on his/her shoulder as you lean your kayak to the side. As you slowly approach the water, tighten your abdominal muscles and try to press your left ear to your left shoulder, thus raising your head just above the water while you and your kayak are practically on its side.
Something to keep in mind is that while this motion seems to lead with the head, your torso will do the work. The hip snap is the key.
How To Roll a Kayak – Let your hips lead.
Assuming that you are now leaning to the right, being supported by your partner, quickly snap your hips to the left to bring your body upright.
How you do this will be to abruptly press your right knee upward while simultaneously press down with your left butt cheek. Use the muscles in your midsection to drive this motion.
You will want to lift your head so you can breathe better but you need to try to resist this instinct. Leading with your head will make the motion harder than it needs to be.
Repeat this action as many times as you can, progressively using your partner’s support less and less. You want to get to point where you can complete the roll by yourself from a state where you are upside down underwater.
Once you perfect the kayak roll and the hip snap, you’ll naturally find you have way more balance and confidence than you had before. Fear of being underwater is very natural so don’t worry if this all takes awhile to get.
Aaron Trubic
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-eskimo-roll-how-to-roll-a-kayak-safely-83348.html
What happens if you lose your paddle while kayaking?
What can you do?
http://www.rutabaga.com/product.asp?pid=1001542
http://www.rutabaga.com/product.asp?pid=1011810
http://www.rutabaga.com/product.asp?pid=1004148
Many paddlers use a paddle leash in rough waters. See the links above… there are a variety of styles to choose from, and most are under $20
If you happen to drop your paddle while still upright, say the wind pulls it from your grip somehow, keep your body weight centered over your boat and use your hands as paddles. Or hopefully you have a paddling partner along that can help you retrieve the paddle.
If you lose the paddle in a wet exit; hang on to the boat first and foremost. You can move to the bow or stern of the boat, grab the carry toggle with one hand, and swim for the paddle with the other. Don’t let go of the kayak; the wind can blow it away from you very VERY quickly.
Discount Kayaks – Buying Cheap Kayaks and Kayak Paddles
If you have plans on buying a kayak it would be best if you do some comparison first. There are things you need to considering before buying the kayak. The length, load capacity, weight, type of water, price and width are among the things that you consider in buying the kayak. Check first whether you need a tandem or solo inflatable kayak. The kind of water you will be dealing with is also considered. Upon deciding on these factors you can now start comparing the kayaks important specs and features.
The width and length is the first thing that you need to consider. Kayak will be tippier if you choose the skinnier and longer kayak. This type of kayak is also fast and will take paddling with less effort in order to have some speed. It will also be more stable if you choose a wider kayak. If you want to be in between, then you can choose the Recreational flatwater kayaks. This type of kayak will give you comfort and provides stability to get some decent speed.
If you have your kayak ready it is now time to choose the proper kayak paddle for your. To others it is not hard to find the right kayak paddle but for others it will also need some shopping and some time in order to pick the right paddle. There are 3 things that you need to consider to determine which the right paddle is for you:
- If you decide to do kayaking in white water then you need something that can withstand the condition of the water. It would be a different story if you are in touring kayak.
- Your body stength and height. If you are five feet and half tall then you may need a shorter paddle. You need a longer paddle if you are 6 feet tall.
- The height and width of the kayak. A longer paddle is needed if you are using tall or wide kayak to reach the water effectively.
After considering the three things it is also best to check the 3 major differences in paddle characteristics:
Paddle is different in shape and blade length, shape and shaft length, and the materials needed in manufacturing the paddle. Wide blade with large surface face can give better acceleration, but will also produce more resistance in the water. Usually it would take a lot of effort to use big bladed paddle than smaller one. If you are into touring it is an essential factor since you will need more endurance than speed. The paddler will be less tired is he will use blade that is long and narrow to strokes more and move through the same quality of water.
==>>Browse Latest New, Used Kayaks for Sale
Jon Larsen
Whitewater Kayaking some of Wales delights
Join us as we Huck our selfs off some of the nicest waterfalls in Wales
Duration : 0:3:16
Saturn Inflatable Paddle Board SUP SIt-On-Top Kayak.
http://www.BoatsToGo.com presents 11′ SUP inflatable paddle board that also can be used as a sit-on-top kayak for up to 2 people. Portable, lightweight and rigid. Just add water!
Duration : 0:2:33
Kayaks : How to Tandem Paddle a Kayak
When riding in a tandem kayak, it’s important for the person in the back to mimic what the person in the front is doing. Find out how to paddle a tandem kayak while letting the person in front relax with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on tandem paddling kayaks.
Expert: Matt Preye
Contact: www.weu.com
Bio: Matt Preye has been kayaking for 15 years in both whitewater and recreational kayaks.
Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso
Duration : 0:1:45
Staying Dry in a Recreational Kayak using Dryak rather than drip rings
This shows a revolutionary kayak paddle drip ring that actually captures the drips from a kayak paddle and hold them while the paddle is elevated. This keeps the kayaker drier than conventional drip rings which only define where the water drips. This can keep you and your gear such as cameras, GPS, cell phone, binoculars, and lunch drier.
Duration : 0:1:55
How do you make a 9 ft kayak go faster?
I have a 9 ft kayak and I am slower than everyone. How can I go fast like the longer boats? Would a rudder help? Or a better paddle? Please help kayak season is here.
Aha! You have discovered the secret of long, skinny boats……they are faster.
Practice, practice, practice.
Get a longer boat.
or
be cool with the 9 footer
Some things to consider when purchasing a