Kayaking - Out of Season

Well, for most of the country, the kayaking season is over.  It's November.  The leaves have fallen off the trees.  The temperatures have dropped.  Things are going to get very unpleasant on the water.

That is unless you're kayaking in Florida!

But we'll save that for another post.  The question on the table is, what do you die-hard kayakers do during the winter?  Reply to this post and let me know.

Stay warm out there!

Storing Your Kayaking Gear

It is quite common to not give any thought to storing your kayaking gear. Most people just throw it somewhere in their garage and gather it back up the next time they need to go kayaking, hoping they can find it all and that it is still in working condition. While this may be the norm, there is a better way.

Before storing your kayaking gear, be sure it is dry and clean from debris. Storing gear while it is still wet is a sure way to secure a funky smell for your future kayaking trip. A laundry rack, a clothesline, or hooks in a garage are a good way to hang your stuff up. Once your kayaking gear is dry, fold it up compactly and place it in either a duffel bag or a Rubbermaid that is big enough to fit all of the gear you use each time. Most kayakers have a slew of extra kayaking gear that they don't use regularly or are just extras. This should be placed in its own storage device for easy retrieval.

Storing your kayaking gear in this way will help ensure that you don't forget anything on your next trip. It will also save you money in the long run by preserving your gear for longer and by protecting it while it is stored.

3 Months Left of 2009

It's hard to believe that 2009 is almost over.  We're in the last quarter of the year and on the brink of 2010.  Make sure to get your kayaking in as it's getting cooler out and it won't be long until you have to hang your gear up until spring.

Of course you can always come and kayak with me down in sunny Florida.  Ahh, year-round paddling is a great thing!

New Kayaking Gear vs. Used Kayaking Gear

Getting into any sport can be expensive. Kayaking is no exception. Getting fully outfitted with new kayaking gear can easily come with a price tag in the thousands. Used kayaking gear on the other hand can be acquired for just a few hundred dollars. So which is best?

The decision to buy new kayaking gear instead of used kayaking gear, or vice versa, is dependent on a host of factors. Of course price is a major concern. The condition of the used equipment is an important thing to check out. Also, the age and features of the used kayak and gear should come into play. Ultimately, if you find some used gear that is significantly cheaper than buying new, if it is in good shape, and it is not too outdated or missing any of the latest innovations then you should buy used.

Help Your Favorite Water Advocacy Group Win 10 Grand!

That's right, The New Belgium Brewing Company is about to donate $10,000 to the water advocacy group that gets the most votes.  September 30th is the deadline.

Simply go to Vote for a Cause and help groups like American Whitewater and American Rivers earn some green to help keep the most precious natural resource we kayakers have available for future generations.

Getting Started in Kayaking

Getting started in kayaking can be a confusing endeavor. Many people are enamored with the idea of kayaking and decide they would like to pick it up as a hobby. They then go out to a sporting goods store and buy the first kayak and paddle they see in their price range, not paying any heed to the type of paddling they will be doing. This could pose all sorts of issues, especially if a recreational kayak is purchased and the person really needs a whitewater kayak.

When getting started in kayaking, it is best to seek the counsel of friends who already kayak. If you don't know any kayakers, go to places where you've seen people paddling and speak to them. Most people who are into kayaking are very friendly and eager to speak with people about this passion of theirs. Also, be sure to go to a store known for selling kayaks, not simply a sporting good store which happens to have a few kayaks in the back. Ask to speak with someone knowledgeable about kayaking and tell them you're looking into getting started in kayaking and need some guidance. Take the knowledge you glean from your friends, the kayakers you come into contact with, and kayak salespersons and determine which type of kayaking you want to get into.

Fall Kayaking

Tuesday officially marked the start of fall, otherwise known as autumn.  While that does mean the kayaking season is drawing to an end, unless you're in Florida or course, the best paddling is still ahead of us. 

Fall kayaking is one of the best times of year to get out on the water.  The humidity is low, motor boat traffic is scarce, and the scenary is generally vibrant.  The cool breeze will be provide a nice change from the hot summer air. 

So go ahead and be sure to make the most of this fall.  Get out there and kayak!

Parts of a Kayak

Depending on the type of kayak you buy, there will be all kinds of attachments and parts on it.  Its a good idea to know what they are called so that you don't feel silly in the presense of other boaters.  Here is a brief list of some of the parts of a kayak.

Grab Loops: Grab loops are the handles, ropes, or straps attached to the bow and stern of the kayak.  They are used to carry the kayak.

Cockpit: The cockpit is the large hole that gives a kayaker access to getting into the kayak.  Sit-on-top kayaks don't have cockpits.

Drain Plug: The drain plug is mostly found on whitewater kayaks and is used to drain out any water that may have gotten into the kayak.

Rudder: Rudders are found on sea, touring, and some recreational kayaks.  It is attached to the stern of the kayak and is controlled with the paddlers feet.  The rudder helps to steer the kayak.

Bulkheads: Bulkheads refer to the compartments found on sea, touring, and some recreational compartments.  They are usually water tight and used for storing gear.

Thigh Braces: Thigh braces are there to help support and secure the kayakers legs in the kayak for better control and balance.

Deck Rigging: Deck rigging are the bungie-type cords on the decks of some kayaks.  They are used to strap down and carry gear.

This is just some of the terminology for the parts that can be found on some kayaks.  Other items are self explanatory such as back rests and seats. 

Ready, Set, Stroke! Kayak Stroke, That Is

The kayak stroke is the motor that propels the kayak.  There are many types of kayak strokes such as the forward stroke, the draw stroke, and the sweep stroke to name a few.  One thing all these strokes have in common is that they all have the same three parts.  There is the catch phase, the power phase, and the recovery phase.  Knowing the premise behind each of these phases will help you perform each stroke more efficiently as well as aid in the process of learning new strokes.

• Learn the Anatomy of the Kayak Stroke