Kayak Theory

All boating activities require you to wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket.

When canoeing :

• Minimum of 3 kayaks
• Keep within sight and sound of each other
• No messing about
• Do as your leader tells you, when he tells you.

The following safety features must be present if a kayak is to be safe:

• Internal floatation
  A kayak must be fitted with sufficient internal floatation to float a fully swamped boat on the surface
• Clear cockpit space
  The cockpit space must be free from rope, string or any other object that might interfere with the paddler’s exit.
• Footrests
  These are essential if if wish to paddle efficiently. Most of the power in paddling comes from the legs. Footrests also prevent you sliding forward if the kayak makes a nose impact.
• Grab Handles
  These are fitted to each end of the kayak. They give you something to hang onto should you find yourself in the water.
• Secure seat
• Be free from holes or defects.

Before using a kayak it is up to the paddler to check these items. This is usually done on dry land whilst adjusting footrests if necessary.

To obtain the right hold on your paddle place the mid point of the shaft on top of your head. Bring your arms up to grasp the shaft so that your elbows form a right angle. One you have done that hold the paddle in front of you at arms length to check that your hands are spaced evenly from the centre. Paddles often have tape or moveable bands to let you mark the right position for your hands. This lets you periodically make a visual check as you paddle. You want to avoid having a large bit sticking out one side of your hands and next to nothing the other. The knuckles of your hands should be on top of the shaft with the paddle held so that the right hand blade (if left handed, the left hand blade [Note there are left handed paddles]) is vertical ie. set to enter the water square.

Feathering is the term given to the action of turning the paddle blades as you stroke so that the blade enters the water square on. The angle to which the blades are offset from each other is known as the feather. The feathering makes it possible to move faster as they are ergonomically better for the kayak paddling action.

Practise feathering by sitting on a chair or standing up and imagine that the water level is level with your bottom.

• Drop the right blade into the water and pull to your hip
• Lift the right blade out.
• When the blade comes out use your right hand to swivel the shaft so that the left blade is set to enter the water square. During the swivel the left hand goes slack, allowing the shaft to swivel. The swivel is done by the right hand bringing the knuckles upwards (like opening the throttle on a motor bike).
• Drop the left blade into the water and pull to your hip
• Lift out the left blade
• Swivel the shaft again so that the right blade is ready to enter the water. (grip and swivel with the right hand and let its slide through the left hand).

When possible kayaks should be carried in pairs. If lifting by the end grab handles make sure that they are strong enough. If one snaps and the kayak lands on your foot you will soon know about it!

When lifting bend your knees and keep a straight back. Use the strength of your thighs. If you just bend over and lift your are likely to strain (or do worse) your back. Remember you cannot paddle with a sore back. Try to get your feet as close as you can to the boat so that you are lifting straight up and not at an angle.

Before lifting get as much water out of the kayak as possible – sponge it dry then start to lift. Water can be very heavy and there is no point in lifting what you don’t have to.

If you have to carry the kayak on your own, stand next to the cockpit. Roll the boat onto its side. Grasp the upper most lip of the cockpit and pick the boat up like a suitcase. Remember to bend the knees and keep the back straight when lifting. Once you have found the point of balance this should be fairly comfortable.

If you have to carry for any distance alone a shoulder carry is best as it gets the kayak away from your legs. Basically rest the inside of the cockpit on your shoulder with your arm bent inside supporting the weight.

If carrying on your own remember to keep an eye on the rear of the boat when turning so as to avoid others.