Kent Ford's Canoe Kayak Video Instruction
As an instructor I find it’s disturbing to see paddlers who are pushed into aspects of the sport that are beyond their interest. A classic example of that is people getting taken on more and more difficult, very difficult rivers with their friends, even though those rivers are beyond their skill level. It’s important to …
As a sea kayaker, you’ll need to know how to recover from a capsize quickly, so you can minimize your exposure to the elements. Your goal is to be in the safety of your boat, and paddle away in a comfortable, stable manner. Even without a roll, most flips are no big deal if you …
Higher Pivots for Longer Power A good wind up extends the tip of the blade forward, rather than reaching both arms forward for the plant. You pull yourself further if the tip of the blade enters the water farther forward. Reach with your bottom hand and bend your top arm slightly. Once the blade …
When you fall off of a surf or miss a move through a rapid the frequent culprit is an inadvertent, barely perceptible, wobble. If this wobble is enough to force you to brace rather than paddle proactively, that alone can cost the move. But even smaller wobbles can cost a move. Here’s the deal: the …
Do you see some of the best paddlers making hard moves look easy? Or does it look like they take half the number of strokes to do the same move you struggle through? Perhaps these paddlers have learned to get the most out of each stroke, and maximize the potential each time their blade goes …
To a sea kayaker, a day of paddling is a significant challenge. Knowing a few special stroke techniques helps alleviate strain on your body, allows you to keep up with your friends, and builds your confidence. The secret to efficient forward paddling is torso rotation, which incorporates the large muscles of your torso, rather than …
When you first tried paddling forward, you probably used your small, nimble arm muscles to provide all your power. A better strategy is to incorporate larger muscles for a more powerful, efficient stroke. WAIT! I Recommend practicing turning strokes before you tackle learning to go straight forward. Whitewater boats are designed to turn, so you …
Early in your first day of kayaking, you should learn and practice a wet exit. This is simply the process of swimming out of the boat when upside down. You should be under for only about 5 to 10 seconds. The wet exit Early in your first day of kayaking, you should learn and practice …
Early in your first day of kayaking, you should learn and practice a wet exit. This is simply the process of swimming out of the boat when upside down. You should be under for only about 5 to 10 seconds. The wet exit Early in your first day of kayaking, you should learn and practice …
You get in to fit your boat on dry land. Slide your legs in with your legs straight, then splay your knees wide, so your knees go out to the side of the boat. Usually this will put your heels close together. You will want the footbrace or bulkhead set so that when you press …