Articles Index
Kayak Backwards! Learn the Kayaking Backstroke
Kayak Backwards – Learn the Kayaking Back Stroke There are times while kayaking when the paddler will need to paddle backwards. Of course the kayaker could turn the kayak around or do a spin maneuver, but the kayaking backstroke when executed properly is much more efficient. Here are the steps to performing the kayaking back stroke.
How to Roll a Kayak Using a Paddle Float
Paddle floats are great devices to help a kayaker climb back into their kayak once it is flipped over. If conditions don't allow for this traditional usage for paddle floats they can also be used to help a kayaker roll a kayak back into the upright position. This self-rescue article explains how to roll a kayak using a paddle float. Click the links in each heading for further information in each step.
How to Use a Kayak or Canoe Bilge Pump
This how to will explain the how to use and store a bilge pump in your kayak or canoe. One might argue that paddling bilge pumps are a required safety item for all sea kayaks and canoes.
How to Use a Paddle Float
Even though paddling in groups is one of the rules of kayaking, it is important for a kayaker to be able to self-rescue in their kayak. The Paddle Float is a piece of gear that was designed for the very purpose of aiding a kayaker back into their kayak unassisted. This how-to will guide you in the proper use of self rescueing in a kayak while using a paddle float. Paddle Float - How to Self Rescue in a Kayak Using a Paddle Float
How to Canoe - Learn Your Canoe Strokes
It should be surprising that most canoe owners don't know how to canoe. All too often these people only employ one type of canoe stroke and switch the side they are paddling on way too frequently. This guide will explain the skill progression needed to learn how to canoe, including how to hold a canoe paddle, how to take a forward stroke, hot to take a canoe j-stroke, how to take a canoe draw stroke, and how to paddle a canoe in tandem.
How to Kayak
Kayaking is still one of the fastest growing of the water sports in the United States. While it's true that anyone can rent a kayak and begin to paddle, most people don't take a lesson to learn the essentials of kayaking. This how-to will tell you some of the beginning skills you'll need to understand before getting into and paddling a kayak.
How to Spin a Kayak in Place
There are times while sitting stationary in a kayak where you will need to spin the kayak around in a tight circle. Spinning the kayak in place is the fastest way to turn a kayak around and the only way to do it in tight places. This how-to will direct the paddler on how to spin their kayak in place.
How to do the Kayak Forward Sweep Stroke
There are times when paddling underway in a kayak when you will want to make a correction to your heading. There are other times when you are stationary in a kayak and you will want to turn the kayak to one side or another. The Forward Sweep Stroke is the perfect stroke to accomplish either of these maneuvers. Following are the steps on how to execute a forward sweep stroke on the right side of your kayak. This same technique can obviously be performed on the left by making the necessary adjustments to the instructions.
How to Do the Reverse Sweep Stroke in a Kayak
While kayaking there are times when the paddler might need to adjust the direction they are facing by a drastic angle. The kayaking reverse sweep stroke is the perfect manuever to do just that. This how-to explains the proper technique to use when doing the reverse sweep stroke in a kayak.
Perfect the Kayak Forward Stroke
This article describes how to hold and use a kayak paddle to take a forward stroke. The kayak manuever known as the forward stroke is a relatively easy technique to master. It is also one of the most commonly distorted strokes in kayaking. This "How To" will guide you through the steps that every kayaker should know for maximum propulsion across the water as well as the proper ergonomic technique for wrist, shoulder, and torso safety. These directions are written assuming a right-handed paddler.
The Kayak T-Rescue : Getting Back into the Kayak
There is really two parts to the technique known as the kayak t-rescue. Once the kayaker is out of his or her kayak, the first part of the t-rescue is to ensure the kayaker is safe, to flip the capsized kayak and drain it, and to position the kayak for reentry. Once these things are complete, it is time for the kayaker to reenter his or her kayak.
The Kayak T-Rescue
Every kayaker should know how to get back into their kayak in the event that they become separated from their boat. The Kayak T-Rescue is one of the easiest methods for doing so, providing the kayaker is not paddling alone. The following steps should be practiced by two or more kayakers in shallow water prior to going out on any kind of unprotected water kayaking trip.
The Hand of God Kayak Rescue
The Hand of God kayak rescue is used when a person is upside down in his or her kayak and is not making any progress toward getting out of the kayak or rolling the kayak back up. This could be due to them being unconscious in the boat, having an injury preventing them from exiting the kayak, or due to panic in the kayak. Here are the steps to doing the Hand of God kayak rescue maneuver.
How to do the Kayak Draw Stroke
The Kayak Draw stroke is the technique that will move the kayak sideways. Most people assume that this is an impossible maneuver. Read the steps below and learn how to do the kayak draw stroke and amaze your friends as your kayak slides sideways in the water.
Do the Canoe Draw Stroke
This how-to explains the steps involved in the canoeing manuever known as the draw stroke. The canoe draw stroke, along with the j-stroke, is one of the most important canoe strokes to learn yet most recreational canoeists don't even know it exists. Learning the canoe draw stroke can eliminate the need to switch sides every few strokes as it will help to keep the canoe moving in a straight direction.
How to Throw a Rope Bag In Whitewater to Rescue Paddlers
One of the most important pieces of whitewater rescue equipment to aid swimming kayakers, canoeists, and rafters is a throw bag. A throw bag enables the user to toss the rope to a person who is out of their boat and requires rescue from the river. Throw bags are tossed into fast-moving water and even rapids enabling the swimmer to grab the rope and get pulled to safety. These steps will instruct would be rescuers in the art of using a throw bag in whitewater and swift water rescue scenarios.
How to Pack a Throw Rope Bag
Throw rope and rope bags are essential pieces of safety gear for whitewater kayakers, canoeists, and rafters. Once a throw bag is deployed, whether to rescue a swimmer or just for practice, it is important that the safety rope is properly packed back in the rope bag. Follow these steps for instructions how to stuff and pack a throw bag.
Empty a Kayak
There are a few different ways to empty a kayak that is full of water. This how-to addresses how to empty a whitewater kayak that has been water logged.
How to Sit in a Kayak
Most people wouldn't think there would need to be instructions on how to sit in a kayak. Of course, those who would think that have probably never gotten into one. The truth is, while properly sitting in a kayak isn't difficult it does require some guidance the first time in the boat.
Put on a Half-Cut Whitewater Kayak Helmet
While there are many stylistic and functionally different options in kayak helmets today, the “half-cut” variety have become the most popular. It is true that “half-cut” helmets are usually more comfortable and easier to put on but they require proper adjustment, at least initially. This method will instruct the kayaker on the most efficient way to put on a half-cut whitewater kayak helmet.
How to Put on a Full-Cut Whitewater Kayak Helmet
While there are many helmet options for the paddler, “full-cut” whitewater kayak helmets offer the most protection for your head. Of course anyone can get a “full-cut” helmet on their head by merely pressing it down over the ears and pulling the strap tight but there may be some pain in the process. This method will instruct the kayaker on the most efficient way to put on a full-cut whitewater kayak helmet.
Strap Two Kayaks to a Roof Rack
Trying to strap two kayaks to a factory installed or aftermarket roof rack without roof rack attachments can be a challenge. Most roof racks will easily support and carry two kayaks at a time if they are placed on the roof rack using the proper method. This article will explain the steps for safely and securely strapping two kayaks to a roof rack. Some steps require further explanation.
Strap a Kayak and Paddle to a Roof Rack
While attempting to strap a kayak to a roof rack can present its own problems, figuring out what to do with a kayak paddle poses its own set of obstacles. Most people try to fit the kayak paddle in their vehicle, scratching the roof, doors, seats, and dashboard in the process. For some reason very few people consider strapping the paddle onto the roof rack along with their kayak. This method keeps the paddle out of the car and lessens the likelihood of damage to interior of your vehicle.
Canoe J-Stroke
This how-to explains the steps involved in the canoeing manuever known as the j-stroke. The canoe J-Stroke is probably the most important canoe stroke to learn. Every person who has ever sat in a canoe knows how difficult it is to keep it going straight. With every stroke of the paddle, the canoe wants to turn to the opposite side. The canoe j-stroke is the remedy to this problem and actually allows the canoeist to correct the direction of the canoe while paddling forward.
Hold a Canoe Paddle
This article describes to the reader how to hold a canoe paddle.