• From beginners to intermediate.
  
• Sit on tops
  
• Sit ins.  
  
• Fishing from a kayak.
  
• Refine your skills.  
• Improve your paddle stroke.
• Rolling and bracing.

TIPS:

Do you start to paddle, but less than an hour into your trip you develop cramping, or your arms are getting tired?  Chances are you just need to refine your paddling technique.

How you position yourself in the boat, and how you sit will keep you comfortable and relaxed for hours.

I see so many paddlers trying to use the backrest of a kayak like lounger.  Some figure if they get a larger seat, or pad, or extra large backband this will alleviate the problem.  They expect the seat   should feel like a "Lazyboy" recliner! "Sit up straight and stop slouching!"  Now where have you heard that before.  It's true though.  If you're leaning back against the backband you're wrong.  While paddling your back should be straight with just a slight lean forward.  It's ok to lean back when taking a break, to view the scenery, or take pictures, but keep your back straight while paddling. Your legs should be in about a 30 degree angle and slightly spread.  Bring your foot pegs back to meet your feet.  Only the pads of your feet should be on the pegs.  Your thighs should be comfortably tucked up under the thigh braces, not jammed up tight or resting on them.  You see, kayaks were designed with the paddler in mind.  Each boat was made specifically for the owner. The kayak is to be worn.  Like a comfortable pair of pants.  Not too tight, not too loose.  We can purchase boats now right off the shelf.  While price can be a factor, it shouldn't dictate which boat we purchase, because if it's uncomfortable you won't use it.  Your boat may need to be modified or padded to get that 'perfect' fit.


Does it seem like no matter how hard you paddle all your paddling buddies are leagues ahead of you and you're bringing up the rear? While some boats are designed for specifically for speed, you should be able to keep up with other boats of your same class. The paddle should be entering water softly and quietly.  A loud paddle stroke is an ineffective paddle stroke.  Each time the paddle 'splashes' it's loosing glide and proficiency. Your arms should not be doing the work, only holding the paddle out in front of you.  While a body builder could force a paddle through the water with incredible force, a petite little person could paddle longer and faster with proper technique.  The torso should be doing the work.  In other words the upper body should be moving not the arms. Try this:  With your hands on the paddle shaft approx. shoulder width apart, extend your arms out straight.  Now put the paddle into the water just to the front of you.  Twist your body around, keeping the paddle in the water and sliding the paddle to the side and back on about a 45 degree angle away from the boat.  Awkward yes, but you get the idea.  In order to accomplish this, you must twist your torso, and not pull your arms back.  With time and practice it will become second nature to twist instead of pull.

These are just a couple tips.  To learn more and receive on the water training, call or e-mail us to set up some classes.  While anyone can get into a boat and paddle down a river, make sure your instructor is qualified to teach.