A basic guide to familiarize yourself with kayaking (Part 2)

Basic steps to get the kayak down to the water

Place the kayak at the water’s edge (the bow of the boat faces the water), facing the boat again. Place the oars over the boat, behind the cockpit. Place the other end of the paddle on the shore, using it to keep the boat steady. Make sure that the paddle’s convex surface is in contact with the ground and its top is facing up.

With one hand on the paddle handle and the other hand at the mouth of the paddle, ready to slide into the cockpit. Maintain a low center of gravity when you enter the boat. Keep your weight on the side of the boat supported by the oars placed on the ground.

Entering the kayak

Enter the kayak in 3 steps as follows.

Feet: Enter the boat and slide forward so that the feet are at the foot level.

Sitting posture: Sit upright with your waist close to the back seat.

Knees: Place the knees below the wall of the cockpit.

Once on the water, the basic way to go forward is to take the leap forward. This paddle step is a push-pull motion when moving either end of the paddle over the water.

The key to a powerful and effective paddle step is the rotation of the torso. Contrary to appearance, rowing does not just use the arms. The large body mass in the torso is strong in the trunk, holding much more strength than the muscles in the arms. You will discover greater stamina and strength as you rotate your body while sailing.

With paddles in hand, most kayaks tend to pull the oar blades towards them. Equally important, push the paddle’s tongue strongly through the water. Aided by the rotation of his body, this repulsive motion creates enormous leverage, supports strength, and creates comfort when making strides forward.

Safety equipment

At a minimum, each kayaking rower in the group should be equipped with a personal flotation device (PFD), a flashlight, a rescue kit, and a communication device.