Kent Ford's Canoe Kayak Video Instruction
A strong and adept swimmer can often pull off the most efficient rescue of all: an aggressive self rescue. The aggressive self rescue is quick, simple, but tiring. This is often much faster than waiting for a tow to shore. A strong and adept swimmer can often pull off the most efficient rescue of all: …
Swimming to shore with gear is not easy, even in mild current, so nearly every kayaker welcomes an assist when they do swim. But it is not always obvious how to help. Understanding your options will help you make the correct choice. YOUR KAYAKING BUDDY IS SWIMMING How to help Swimming to shore with gear …
Successfully running a difficult river is not always a measure of your improvement. Instead, challenge yourself by making hard moves like ferries and surfing on easy rivers. Racers and all really good boaters develop their skills this way. Knowing your ability and matching it to appropriate rivers is the best way to ensure safe boating. …
Most whitewater paddlers have heard the rule of thumb: “keep your feet up”, which is the cardinal rule for avoiding foot entrapments caused by trying to stand in the river. This defensive swimming strategy is important, but it is not the only thing one should know about swimming whitewater! Swimming whitewater: Beyond “feet-up” Most whitewater …
The following river hazards are described briefly which forces the paddler to adapt an inquisitive attitude. The river sense of experienced boaters is based on this approach. Don’t let these descriptions intimidate you. Your purpose is to understand the hazards clearly, enabling you to know when they are a factor to your safety. If you …
You spend the first half of your paddling career trying to stay out of holes, and rest of your paddling career trying to stay in them. How to Read the bad holes You spend the first half of your paddling career trying to stay out of holes, and rest of your paddling career trying to …
The whitewater river rating system classifies rivers from Class I to Class VI. While the system is often discussed and debated, it is imperfect. To get an accurate idea of the difficulty of the run you need to get a full description. This will include information about the nature of the rapids. Are they drop …
This scenario is often played out in whitewater canoeing and kayaking classes around the country. Leans, and the resulting good balance, are an important part of learning to paddle, but are rarely described with precision. Leans can be organized into three basic types: the J lean, the Bellbuoys lean, and the body lean. Instructor: “Lean, …
Sidesurfing is a great way to play on the river, and to get an understanding about holes. The goal is to sit sideways in a hydraulic, using the wave shape to hold you in position. You will be free to move if your balance comes from posture and knee lift, rather than a heavily weighted …
One important component of a forward stroke is having the blade run right along the side of the boat, pulling you efficiently forward. This paddle position minimizes the boats inherent desire to turn. Too much wag reduces your efficiency dramatically! …Then Traveling Stroke One important component of a forward stroke is having the blade run …