First of all you have to understand that if you don't have a rudder in you kayak, still you need not worry. The rudder is far from being any essential piece of the kayak. However if you still decide to want one then you can add one later. Rudder is placed on the side of the kayak. When you want to lower it then you have to pull the chord to move it down from its stored position. You have to control the rudder with foot pedals. The main purpose of the rudder in a kayak is not to turn a kayak. It...
In this how-to video, you will learn how to put on a spray skirt while kayaking. This is important if you want something to wear while you kayak. A dry top has a latex neck and wrist. A semi-dry top has a neoprene neck and wrists. For both of these, a feature called a double tunnel is built in. This means there are two layers on the top. The skirt creates a water tight seal and keeps you dry. First, get your arms in the dry top. Poke your fingers through the gasket on the wrist. This...
In this how to video, you will learn how to use an anchor trolley on your kayak. First off, the critical part with kayak fishing is being able to present your bait to the fish. This system anchors you in order to position yourself in any way to do just that. If you are fishing and anchored, there are many types of anchors to choose from. A fold up anchor allows you portability and space. Loop the line and run it through the bottom of the ring and attach it to the zig zag cleat. This...
In this Outdoor Recreation video tutorial you will learn how to mount a fish finder on your kayak. There are many ways of doing this. All the methods work. It’s just a matter of personal choice where you want to mount it. Some boats are designed for a through hole transducer and have a space for it to mount it in a hole. Take a piece of foam, trace out the transducer and cut out the foam. Now open the front hatch of the boat and glue down the foam on the flat surface of the boat. Once that is...
Kayaking is a great way to stay in shape and engage with the outdoors. This video tutorial demonstrates proper kayaking methods and offers a few helpful tips. When paddling a kayak, keep your strokes close to the side of the vessel. Make sure to use your legs to balance the kayak. Finally, adjust your core to get more out of each kayak stroke.
In this how-to video, you will learn how to tandem paddle a kayak. First, try it with someone you will be paddling with before purchasing one. The person in the back has to copy the person in the front. For example, if the person in the front is paddling on the right, the back person has to paddle on the right. The back person has no right to yell at the person in the front when it comes to paddling. The back person will push the kayak into the water first and push off. If the kayak needs...
Be it the ocean, a lake or a river, there is no better way to enjoy the water and nature than by kayaking. Like all outdoor activities, being prepared and knowing how to use your equipment will help insure you have a great time.
Matt Preye teaches you how to make a proper Eskimo roll. An Eskimo roll is the ability to correct a kayak that is upside down. Follow these steps to do it properly: Before you roll over, bring your paddle parallel to your boat. When the boat is upside down you turn your paddle and reach out to grab the water. While still underwater, throw your hips to right the boat.
This video will show you the right and proper safety gear for kayaking. Kayak safety gear is one of the most important aspect of kayaking. The most important kayak safety gear is the life jacket. It should be short torso so you can move freely and it does not rise up. Make sure that all the straps are tighten when you wear it. The next important kayak safety gear is a whistle. You will use it when you are in trouble or in emergency. Blow it once to catch attention and 3 times during emergency....
We caught up with Doctor David Lorczak to discuss the benefits of proper outfitting and posture to promote a long and healthy kayaking career. In Dr. Lorczak's opinion the advancements in the Bad-Ass outfitting allows the kayaker to maintain better posture while allowing slight movement of the lower torso. This movement is key to maintaining a healthy spine in a sport that is brutal to that area of the body. Have a listen to Dr.Lorczak as he explains the relationship between proper posture,...
Whitewaterinstruction.com presents a lesson on Paddle Awareness by Shane Benedict. Rocks aren't always getting in the way of your kayak, occasionally they'll do a number on your paddle as well. That's why this post is devoted to paddle awareness. This particular skill may seem intuitive, but often in the heat of the moment the location of your paddle is the last thing on your mind. Shane explains why paddle awareness is important and demonstrates what can happen if your paddle is the last thing...
No matter how you cut it, slides are tons of fun. There are all types of slides, and while some are big and scary, many are not. Regardless of whether you are having a blast on some mellow slides or trying to set a world speed record on something large there are a few techniques which will help you ensure success. Watch below as Shane helps us out with some basic slide technique:
Learn kayaking and canoeing basics and maneuvering techniques such as how to paddle and steer in this free boating video series on kayaking and canoeing for beginners.
Check out this video to learn how-to use the kayak ergo to improve your enjoyment of the water (no, just kidding, there is no water--this is exercise equipment but it can be used to improve your kayaking skills).
California Family Fitness offers advice on good exercises to try before kayaking. The most important thing is to take your lower body out of the equation.
This video is part of the "identifying your roll" series for kayaking. The back deck sweep roll helps the complete beginner to start in a set up position. It is also well illustrated and explained.
In this video series, watch as expert kayaker James Sullivan teaches beginning kayaking tricks while playing in holes and waves. Learn how to find a good hole and identify a bad one, how to enter a hole from above and the side, how to move forward and backwards in a hole, how to get on a foam pile, how to find sweet spots, how to edge control in holes, how to enter a wave from above, how to avoid pearling, how to carve an edge, how to use the power stroke, and how to use forward and reverse...
In this how to video series, learn about swift water rescue and how to wade and swim through white water, from white water rescue technician Fergus Coffey. Fergus will teach you invaluable tips on swift water rescue and how to swim in and swim out of swift water. He will teach how to swim over a strainer, when it is safe to stand in white water, and how to avoid foot entrapment in swift water. Fergus will also teach and demonstrate how to safely enter white water, defensive swimming, aggressive...
