Kayak Accessories, Gear, and Paddle
Get ready for the adventure! It’s Kayakingaccessoriesplus.com. Whether you want the heart-pounding thrill of the vicious white waters or want to experience a relaxed day trip, we have advice and on how to improve your performance out there on the water and all the latest info on equipment.
Different situations call for different kayaks and different kayaking accessories. You may want a recreational kayak to photograph down a lake, or a whitewater kayak to lunge down the rapids. But the following tips on improving your performance apply to all kayaks.
-Separate lower and upper body movements
This is a basic principle of kayaking and should not be overlooked. It is important to separate your upper and lower body from your bellybutton down, so that the bottom half of your body works the water while your upper body remains firm. If your body is completely stiff on the water it will act almost like a bell buoy and eventually tip the kayak over. You need to remain relaxed, separate your body and stay in balance. This separation will really help you as you are kayaking up and down the river.
-Maintain proper torso rotation
Torso rotation is also another basic principle of kayaking. You want to use your core muscle groups that include your shoulder, back and belly area. If you use your small muscle groups in your arms you will become tired really quickly. Using the larger muscle groups will help you last longer through the whole day. Paddling using correct torso rotation turns your core rather than using your arms that will look somewhat like a doggy paddle or short punches. If you engage the full rotation your shoulders will go back and forth rather than your arms.
- The Kayak roll
This is the first thing you should learn when you take up kayaking. Not only will it improve your safety, it will also improve your fun. A roll should be mastered through professional lessons and practice. But here are the five basics of rolling.
The first is the set up. This involves rotating your wrists over, leaning over and almost kissing the kayak. The second part is the sweep. After you have capsized and you are set up, you start sweeping out with your body, taking your paddle with you. The third part is the hip rotation. As soon as you start sweeping out away from the kayak, your hips start to rotate the boat underneath you. And that is the biggest thing to remember, is that it is actually the boat rotating underneath you. The forth part is keeping the head down, so that the head is the last thing to surface. And the fifth part is the recovery. After you re-surface, make sure you are sitting up and you are ready to brace.
These are just some of the basics techniques that can improve your kayaking experience. In the next few pages you can find more info on the right type of kayak accessories and gear that tailor to your own adventure out on the open waters. Have fun and be safe out there.