People are always asking me about things they can do to improve their kayaking. Now take into consideration most of these folks are talking to me on dry land and in the shop. So, over the years I’ve simplified my speech and widened the principles to cover all types of kayaking- from fishing to whitewater and from recreational to sea touring. Here are three basic things that you can do to take you kayaking to the next level.
1) Posture equal performance when kayaking. Be sure to sit up. When you are sitting in a kayak, sit with your chest slightly forward of your hips. Keep your head above you pelvis bones. Your foot-braces can help by keeping you from slouching. And, the back brace can add in supporting your posture as well.
2) The best paddlers use as many muscles as possible to distribute the workload. When you’re paddling, rotate your shoulders on an axis. Kind of like a forward crawl stroke when swimming. Keep your head still, as one hand is drawing the paddle back toward you, the other hand is pushing forward and rotating on your center axis. You should feel like the energy is coming from your shoulders, chest and back. You don’t want to feel like it’s all in the arms.
3) Your paddle is you’re: steering wheel, gas pedal and brake all in one. When you’re not using it… you’re out of control. An active paddle is a good thing. The paddle is the best instrument you have to communicate with the water. Keep your paddle active, it’s one of the best assets you have.
So, the next time you head out on to the water. Take a little look at yourself: Are you sitting up? Are you rotating your shoulders? And are you controlling you kayak with the paddle? If not… make a little correction and see if it makes a difference.
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