The Basics of Paddling a Kayak
A former employee of the Village of Homewood, Patrick Ryan currently serves as the Batista Group vice president and focuses on the rehabilitation and bio-remediation of compromised landscapes in Illinois. An outdoors enthusiast with a passion for conservation, Patrick Ryan enjoys kayaking.
One key to staying safe while kayaking is proper technique. This begins with a light grip that allows rhythmic, deep, and rapid forward paddling. At the same time, maneuvering is accomplished with wider sweeping strokes that can be reversed if necessary to quickly correct the course.
When paddling, your upper body should maintain a balanced center of gravity, with your head facing forward. This improves steering and makes tipping over nearly impossible.
However, if the boat does flip over, the best way to recover is to lean forward and push the boat’s bottom with the paddle. Release the spray skirt that keeps you snug in the boat, push out from the boat, and swim beside the vessel until you can turn it over.
One key to staying safe while kayaking is proper technique. This begins with a light grip that allows rhythmic, deep, and rapid forward paddling. At the same time, maneuvering is accomplished with wider sweeping strokes that can be reversed if necessary to quickly correct the course.
When paddling, your upper body should maintain a balanced center of gravity, with your head facing forward. This improves steering and makes tipping over nearly impossible.
However, if the boat does flip over, the best way to recover is to lean forward and push the boat’s bottom with the paddle. Release the spray skirt that keeps you snug in the boat, push out from the boat, and swim beside the vessel until you can turn it over.
