Kayaking in How to Scull and Brace

Kayaking in How to Scull and Brace
Advanced Strategies in Kayaking

Kayaking is a dangerous water sport that requires accuracy while maneuvering in the waters. Kayakers often learn a variety of strokes before venturing off on whitewater, wild water, or competition sports. Various stroke methods include the skull, which moves forward, and reverse, or the brace stroke.

How is the skull stroke in kayaking work?
First, you should learn to brace stroke and then move to skull strokes. In the brace stroke usually two passengers are in the kayak. One passenger leans over the body of the ship (Hull) while the other passenger braces the kayak in an effort to prevent the kayak from capsizing. (Flipping) Brace strokes require that the paddle remain in the waters. (Learn more about recovery strokes to before trying the brace stroke)

Kayakers must remain constant. In other words, the kayak must remain constantly in control, rather than the paddles.

How do I balance the kayak?
First, it is important that the feet, knees, thighs, buttocks, hips, are the essential areas of the body you want to focus on while learning to balance a kayak. The upper body also helps to support kayak balance, yet the lower part of the body bears the most weight.

What type of paddles do kayakers use?
Kayakers use left and right hand paddles. Most kayakers prefer the double bladed paddles, yet few will choose to use the two section paddles. If you intend to use the two sectional paddles, on the side you are using the paddles, the blade should be the first (always) to come up from the water. The hollow side of the paddle should be closest to you. Most kayak paddles of this style are feathered. The feathered paddles help to cut back resistance of wind. As well, the feathered paddles tend to allow the body to have more power.

How does the forward stroke work then?
With one hand you will lean forward as far as you can stretch. The body should slightly lean forward as well. With the blade facing you, dip it into the waters. Simultaneously, pull the blade back and push forward. The hand stretching should pull back the blade while the other hand will push the blade forward, which should balance with the eyes. (Human eyes) the arm should be fully extended at this point while the body is straight. Next, perform the same action on the other side, which you will follow the same basic steps.

The forward stroke is the basic steps, which I prefer to inform you about before taking you to the full brace and skull strokes.

When should I use the brace stroke?
Generally, brace strokes is employed in unpredictable waters. Kayakers often keep the blades submerged under water at all times, which prepares them to use the stroke at any given moment. Kayakers tend to use the brace stroke as an anchor, which the kayakers tug the blades toward the kayak, while using their knees and thighs to balance the boat.




Tip:
When leaning in your kayak, try to avoid panicking. IF you are new at kayaking, avoid waters at first where boulders, rocks, wild, or whitewaters present risks.

How does the skull stroke work?
This stroke is ideal for single passengers. The object of this stroke is to maneuver the kayak forward toward the paddle, and then reverse toward the second stroke. In other words, the kayak will turn sideways with this turn, moving along with each stroke you take. The skull strokes forces the paddles to propel and each blade should be around 1-foot away from the kayak.
See you on the water, Greg

Pend Oreille Lake

Pend Oreille Lake
Canoe/Kayaking
Location: South of Sandpoint, Idaho
Duration: 2 Day
Season: Summer
Distance: 5 miles, round trip
Difficulty: Easy

Located in North Idaho, a land of dense forests and giant cedars, lies the state's largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. Once the second largest U.S. naval training center in the world, with a surface area of 94,600 acres and numerous forested coves, it's a flat-water paddlers dream.
　
Starting at the put-in, paddle past the boat docks on your left (there is usually a little head wind as you pull out of Garfield Bay). As you round your first point heading East, on your left is the cave you can paddle into and explore, depending on the water level.
　
As you round each point heading North-East, there are many areas to camp along the shoreline, many of which are accessible by road.
　
The further you go, the better your chances of solitude. For a variation, some paddlers head South, where more camping spots can be found. It's a big lake, so explore, but be cautious of wind and waves. In the afternoon the waves usually get pretty big and then die down by the evening, so depending on what you like paddle early, mid-day or late.
　
Directions: From Coeur D'Alene drive 38 miles North on Highway 95 to Sagle. Watch for the sign on the right pointing to Garfield Bay (right after the flea market). Stay on Garfield Bay road as it winds East for another 7.5 miles, until you reach the lake. Pay attention some people go the wrong way at the "Y" in the road, about a mile before the lake. As you reach the lake, go a little bit past the large state run campgrounds. Park your car off the South side of the road, giving you easy access to the beach.

For a map, pictures and more info click on Pend Oreille Lake

See you on the water,

Greg

Ross Lake

Ross Lake
Canoe/Kayaking
Location: North Cascades NP, Washington
Duration: 6 Day
Season: Summer - Fall
Distance: 50+ miles, round trip
Difficulty: Moderate

Located in the North Cascades this is an incredible setting for a canoe trip. Surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls this makes for a great week multi-day trip for the more experienced paddler.
　
From the Colonial Creek Boat Launch, paddle north on Diablo Lake hugging the right shore. As you reach the larger part of the lake at about the 2 mile mark, remember to stay against the right shore and you will turn east into the canal leading to the Ross Lake Dam.

As you paddle toward the dam, be very cautious of the power boats moving quickly around the blind corners, we nearly got ran over.
　
At the 4 mile mark you will see a glimpse of the dam and some buildings owned by Seattle City Lights, the Portage landing is on your right 100 yards before you reach the buildings. Be careful not to park your boats on the large concrete slab, that is for the barge they use to ferry vehicles with. Instead just around the floating dock is a nice gravel landing spot.
　
From here you need to hike up the road to the power building and use the phone to call and have them bring down the trucks to portage you up to the lake.
　
Be prepared to wait a while. Also, check the More Info Link for details on the portage fees. Once you portaged up onto Ross Lake, the rest of your trip depends on what you have pre-determined and your trip permit.
　
The authors trip is laid out on the map. There's plenty of campsites and lots of water for however long you want to stay.
　
Directions: From Diablo Washington follow North Cascades Highway #20 east about 4 miles till you reach the right turn for Colonial Creek Campground & boat launch (mile mark 130). The turn is directly before you reach the bridge that crosses Diablo Lake.

For a map, pictures and more info click on Ross Lake

See you on the water,
Greg

Kayaking Safety Codes

Kayaking Safety Codes

Safety is a demand while kayaking. The AWA Safety Codes is a source where you can learn valuable information to help you adhere to codes, rules, and laws. Kayaking is a dangerous sporting adventure. You should learn and follow all rules, codes, and laws. The ideal of the codes and laws is in your favor. Kayakers must make sure that they have sufficient skills, equipment, knowledge, etc, before heading off into open waters. This includes still or moving waters.

The first code you will see in the AWA safety codes is the personal, prepared, and responsibility codes. The code states that all kayakers, canoeists, etc, must know how to swim, including underwater. In addition, you must wear a life jacket when lining rapids, approaching shores, or running in waters. At all times you are obligated to maintain control of your boat. You must have the ability to stop your boat, and reach shores without causing harm. You must have the ability to stop your kayak before the danger is present. You cannot enter a rapid, unless you have confidence that you could master the situation.

You must always stay alert to hazards and avoid at all cost. AWA safety codes give you a list of killer situations. The list includes high waters, which power and danger on the river, and insufficient ability to conduct rescue, specifically as the rivers below increases. Before launching your kayak you want to observe the critical passageways as well as the narrow passageways to determine the river flow.

The codes and/or rules include attire. In cold waters, you should wear clothing that will protect you from extreme weather and cold waters. Your clothing should be waterproof and provide you some warmth in waters whole are then 60 degrees.

In rivers, and other waters you have strainers. The strainers include fallen trees, brush, bridge piles, dams, etc. The obstacles can pin your boat, capsize you, etc.

Advisory: obstacles in water do not always warn you ahead of time that dangerous lurk in the distance. Learn how to read the waters.

AWA Codes include, weirs, souse holes, and a reversal is something you really want to read up on. Weirs and dams tend to have water dripping, which curl backwards, and snag your kayak. The water may seem as its going upstream, which is often deceiving. Your only recourse, is too swim beneath the waters surface, especially, in an area where the water is moving downstream, or else attempt to get out of the wave.

It is not recommended that you kayak alone. The recommendation of AWA Safety Codes is that you travel with at least two other passengers in the boat. You will need to learn teamwork and paddling skills. You must also be in good health. The purpose is if you are not in good health you may not have the strength, power, stamina, or energy to manipulate your boat out of danger situations.

You must practice rescue drills to help escape dangerous situations. The drills must include artificial respiration. In addition, you will need to learn how to perform and master the Eskimo Roll; since this roll is overall the only roll that will help you escape most any capsized kayak. You must also wear a crash helmet. The Eskimo rolls will also help you in the event you cannot swim to the shorelines. You must also wear appropriate shoes, which will work to protect your feet against injury. To learn more about AWA Safety Codes and Rules you can also find help online.

See you on the water,
Greg

Deception Pass - Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Duration: 1 Day
Season: Spring - Fall
Distance: Play boating spot
Difficulty: Difficult


Deception Pass is one of Washington's favorite spots with visitors flocking to see the spectacular bridge and Pass, making it one of the most visited parks in the nation.
　
Because of Whidbey Island's temperate climate, many birds and waterfowl winter here, including an abundance of bald eagles. Fishing is popular in the area and tent and RV camping are available year round.
　
This area boasts giant old growth forests, 30 miles of hiking trails, 19 miles of saltwater shoreline, 3 freshwater lakes, and 246 campsites. Notable for its unusual variety of water environments, what better way to explore it, than in a kayak?
　
Most people just hop out of the car and head to the center of the Deception Pass Bridge, which connects Whidbey and Fidalgo islands. From that vantage, they snap pictures of sweeping views west toward the Olympic Mountains and east to Mount Baker.
　
But kayaking the waters of the Pass is truly an adventure. Not a beginner paddle, the pass offers opportunities to paddle in strong currents and develop an appreciation for tidal influence.
　
Paddlers need to know how to read a tide chart and plan their excursion around the tidal currents. Currents in the Pass can get up to 8 knots. Some people feel it's similar to paddling a river. There are strong tide rips around the south side of Deception Island. But north and south of the Pass there is plenty of open water for easier paddling.
　
Caution: Deception Pass has a lot of motor boat traffic. Be aware of motor boats when crossing or playing in the current, otherwise stay close to the shoreline and explore the numerous coves.
　
If you are going through the Pass, most paddlers use the route between Pass Island and Fidalgo Island on the north side of the Pass (called Canoe Pass). Motor boat traffic is usually on the south side of the Pass.

Location: From Seattle, drive 64 miles north on Interstate 5 to exit 230 (Anacortes/Burlington). Turn west on State Highway 20 and drive about 12 miles to the Whidbey Island junction. Proceed about six miles south on State Highway 20 to the Deception Pass Bridge. Cross the bridge onto Whidbey Island and drive south down the hill and at the bottom take a right into the campground. Continue past Cranberry Lake to the day-use parking lot on the coast and the put-in.
　
For a map, pictures and more info click on Deception Pass


See you on the water,
Greg

Kayaking

Kayaking

Kayaking is similar to canoeing; only you have a smaller space to fit your body and gear because the kayak is sleaker and faster. Kayaking requires balance, since you can flip with little effort. In words, kayaking is a sporty canoe, which is light in weight and often made of fiberglass. Older kayaks were made of animal skin, like the more traditional models, which the Inuit Indians used for hunting. The boats fit one or two people, while utilizing a double-blade paddle. Nowadays, you can use kayaks in both travel and/or racing.

Kayaking is a sport, which if you ask questions before purchasing or adventuring on a kayak you will stay a step ahead. To help you understand more about kayaking we can consider a few details.

How do I choose a kayak?
First, realize that canoes stem from the Indian creation one hundred years earlier. Today, more than sixty producers distribute kayaks and canoes. Kayaks like vehicles have a variety of models; as well kayaks are made from a variety of materials. The questions you should consider then include:

What shape of kayak would I like best?
What size or length is ideal for me?
How many people do I intend to ride in my kayak?
Do I need a one passenger seat? Do I need a two seated kayak?
How do I intend to use the kayak?
What skills do I possess to maneuver a kayak?
What degree of skills do other passengers have to operate the kayak?

You can purchase smaller kayaks, which the length is around 12 feet, and up to16 feet in size. Keep in mind that kayaks come with paddles, which are often easier to control with.

Beginners, or those who have paddled kayaks before, but it has been a while, may benefit from the fifteen to 17 feet kayaks. You can carry more than one person in the larger kayaks.

Smaller kayaks or canoes move slower than the larger kayaks. However, the maneuvering of the smaller kayaks is easier than the larger kayaks.

Seventeen footers can carry three people along with your gear comfortably. The longer kayaks generally are employed in sporting events, such as races, or in recreational programs. If you want a kayak for cruising, thus the seventeen or 18 footers will suffice.

Do the kayaks have adjustable seats?
It depends on what you buy. Some kayaks may have adjustable seats, while others may have non-adjustable seats. Still, the seats maybe divided with a thigh brace. A knee brace maybe available as well.

Do kayak owners need gear that protects them?
Sure, most kayaks owners invest in Neoprene Spray Skirts, Clothing and Rescue Gear.

What types of gear is available?
Well, the list is to long to cover in this post, but we'll see what we can come up with in the future.