THE COMPLETE SEA KAYAKER’S HANDBOOK

By SHELLEY JOHNSON

The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Copyright © 2011 Shelley Johnson
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-07-174711-0

Contents

AcknowledgmentsPrefaceIntroduction1. Getting Ready2. Kayaks3. Accessories and Clothing4. Getting to Know Your Kayak5. Controlling Your Kayak6. Getting into and out of the Water7. Real-Life Paddling8. Finding Your Way: Kayak Navigation9. Trip Logistics10. Group Safety11. Kayak Camping12. Planning Your Dream Trip13. Taking Care of Your StuffIndex

Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

Getting Ready

MAKING A DECISION AMID A SEA OF OPTIONS

Sea kayaking offers so many ways to explore our world that one of your mostimportant decisions will have to be made before you even slide into the cockpitof your boat. You’ll need to consider what you want from your sea kayakingexperience. Are you looking forward to sitting alone in a quiet marsh at sunsetto watch the returning shorebirds? Facing a challenging coastline of rocks andpounding surf? Or spending an afternoon of tidal pool exploring and then havingan island picnic with your family? Wherever your imagination leads you, you’llneed the skills and the proper equipment to get you there and back.

Focus on what your goals might be by asking yourself a few basic questions. Youranswers to the following questions will guide your equipment purchases,selection of an instructional program, and plans for kayak outings. As youbecome a more proficient sea kayaker, your answers to these questions maychange. That’s OK: sea kayaking is a sport that will grow with you.

• What do I want to be able to do right away?

• What will I primarily use my boat for? Do I plan to go most often on day tripsfrom home or on longer, overnight excursions?

• Where will I do most of my paddling? Will I be kayaking on inland lakes, onone of the Great Lakes, or along the coastline?

• What would I love to do (maybe it’s just a fantasy at this point) once Ibecome more skilled?

• What sport or hobby (scuba diving, fly-fishing, photography, etc.) do I do nowthat sea kayaking can enhance?

• If I’m purchasing another round of equipment, what do the new pieces need todo differently or better?

• If I have been paddling for a while, what skills do I still lack or need towork on?

As you read this book, bear in mind your answers to these questions, focusing onhow each new piece of information can help you clarify and reach your paddlinggoals.

Sea kayaking encompasses a broad range of boat uses, skills, and interests.

INSTRUCTION

I’m a real believer in the value of instructional programs. By giving you asolid base of information and skills you can build upon at your own pace,they’re the most efficient way to learn a new sport. You won’t have to unlearnbad techniques or habits, and starting out with a more skilled and knowledgeablepaddler at your side is reassuring.

Many instructional programs are available to a novice sea kayaker. You canchoose from two-hour indoor pool sessions to fourteen-day courses on a remoteisland. There’s nothing wrong with checking out the sport in a two-hour sampler,but you’ll need at least a full day of instruction to cover some of the basicskills for paddling and safety. It’s important for you to have a chance to viewand then practice reentry skills under supervision, and to get some helpfulguidance on your paddling strokes before heading out on your own. You shouldthen consider enrolling in programs to take you beyond the basic skills.

Most sea kayaking instructors in the United States are certified by either theAmerican Canoe Association (ACA) or the British Canoe Union (BCU), but don’t usecertification as a criteria for selecting an instructor—some of the bestinstructors aren’t certified. These two organizations run instructional programsfor all levels of skill, and they certify instructors at various proficiencylevels. They differ primarily in their emphasis on different aspects of seakayaking skills. The BCU has traditionally emphasized seamanship skills and theability of its instructors to control groups safely in a wide variety of seaconditions. The ACA has traditionally emphasized modeling perfected paddlingskills and developing instructors’ teaching skills. Both organizations clearlyoutline course contents and clearly define the levels of proficiency required oftheir instructors. Similar certification programs are available through theCanadian Recreational Canoe Association (CRCA).

If you have the opportunity, try to get instruction through a variety oforganizations or from an instructor familiar with different styles. The ACA andU.S. chapters of the BCU have recently become closer in style and content,making their differences less pronounced. For example, in response to requestsby students for seamanship and rough-water skills, the ACA has broadened itsofferings. And, because the U.S. market demands a kinder, gentler approach toinstruction, many BCU instructors have modified their teaching styles to be morereassuring to novice paddlers.

An instructional program is the best place to start.

When you begin looking for an instructional program, ask the followingquestions.

• What is the instructor-to-student ratio? Anything exceeding a 1:6 ratio is toolow, limiting your access to the instructor and the amount you can learn in aday.

• Will you get a chance to observe and practice ways to get back into your boatafter a capsize (solo and assisted)? If not, when and how can you get thisexperience?

• What training or certifications do the instructors have? Ask for specifics.Being told they are BCU- or ACA “trained” is not sufficient since anyone couldclaim that after a single class. (Ask if they hold instructor certification.)

• If the instructor has chosen to not be involved in a certifying organization,how long has he or she been teaching? Ask local paddling clubs forrecommendations.

• Are there concerns about cold-water temperatures? If so, will you be providedwith a wet suit or dry suit, or will you need to rent or provide your own?

• Will different models of kayaks be available in the class to fitdifferent-sized people?

• Do you need to bring a lunch, snacks, or water bottle?

• Do you need to carry in your kayak everything you need for the day? If so,will waterproof bags be provided?

• Where will the class be held? Will you have a chance to paddle on any openwater, or will the entire class be held in a small pond or in a pool?

• Who determines a class cancellation because of bad weather? Must youreschedule or will you receive a refund?

• Are there any incentives with boat purchases? (Often, paddlesports dealersoffer some sort of instructional package for those buying a boat.)

• If you have a disability, what adaptations will be made to the equipment? Whenwill these be done?

• Do you get a discount on the class fee for using your own boat?

• If a boat is provided, can you specify a particular model?

• After your first class, will other courses or methods of instruction besuggested?

Your first day of sea kayaking instruction should cover a variety of techniquesthat will help you feel more comfortable in your kayak. You’ll learn how to getinto and out of the boat at a shoreline or low dock, and how to exit when youcapsize (these techniques are discussed in chapters 4, 5, and6). You’re going to get wet, so be prepared. Secure your glasses with aretainer strap, be prepared for the water temperature, and keep a spare set ofclothes and a towel someplace dry. If this is your first time in a kayak, don’tworry: you won’t be the only one. If possible, talk to your instructor beforethe class starts to let him or her know what you hope to gain from theinstruction. That’s also a good time to air any fears or questions you haveabout getting started. Find out from the instructor how boats will be assigned;you want to ensure you get a boat that’s a proper fit for you.

A good beginner’s class won’t make assumptions about prior skills: all you’llneed is an open mind and a willingness to try something new. Certain movementsand physical demands may seem awkward at first. You may even carry over a fewbad habits from past canoeing days. Let them go. Trust the instructor to showand then lead you through proper paddling techniques.

Your first day of instruction should include practicing a wet exit,which means exiting the boat after you’ve flipped upside down (see page 131).Although it’s actually easy, many beginners are fearful of this step in theirinstruction. They have visions of being trapped or of panicking underwater.Don’t hesitate to voice these concerns if you have them, and ask your instructorto spot you through your first wet exit.

If you’re reluctant to try a wet exit, take the opposite approach: startin the water with your kayak beside you (wear a life vest forflotation). Crawl around on the boat, turn the boat over and stick your head upinside, and try hanging upside down in the cockpit. Kayaking is awatersport, so you might as well enjoy getting wet and playing in thewater with your kayak. You’ll become so comfortable that a wet exit won’t evenregister on the anxiety radar.

GUIDED TOURS

Many people are introduced to kayaking through guided tours. They might havesigned on for a short harbor tour by kayak while on vacation or been talked intotagging along for a full day of exploring by a friend. Guided tours are a funintroduction to the sport, but bear in mind their purpose isn’t to help you withpaddling technique or answer equipment questions. Instead, kayak tours focus onthe sights and scenery along the way. That’s not to say that you won’t getpointers from a helpful guide, but the focus is different from an instructionalprogram. Some longer wilderness tours may include a day of instruction beforesetting out or require that you show some basic paddling skills beforeregistering. For more information on guide services, see pages 280–81.

A guided tour is a great way to sample the sport.

FITNESS AND STRETCHING

Although you can start kayaking without any preliminary physical training, yourbody will appreciate a few good stretches and some strength-building exercises.These stretches and exercises are good habits to get into regardless of thefrequency of your paddle outings. If you are an infrequent paddler, they maysave you from a “weekend warrior” injury or soreness; if you paddle regularly,you should incorporate these into your weekly plans throughout the seasons.Anything that builds strength and flexibility is to your advantage.

Stretches should be done both before and after kayaking. Before you beginpaddling, take a few moments to gradually warm your muscles. This can be a roundof jumping jacks, “air paddling,” or a spirited game of Frisbee on the beach.The goal is to get your blood pumping and the muscles warm. Once your musclesare warm, they will stretch more easily and there is less chance of a musclestrain. After paddling, a regimen of stretching is helpful to ease tired musclesand prevent soreness.

Stretches should be gradual and held for twenty to thirty seconds before beingreleased. Don’t bob or try to push your muscles into position. Your movementsshould be fluid and slow. Consider incorporating some of your favorite stretchesfrom other sports or poses from other practices such as yoga, Pilates, or TaiChi. Be consistent and unhurried to get the best results.

During a day of paddling, be sure to take breaks that allow you to stretch andmove muscles and joints in ways different from paddling motions. Shake your legsand hands and move around inside the cockpit. Point, flex, and rotate your feet,and scrunch up your toes. Too often, paddlers stay locked in a paddling positioninside the cockpit and forget to move their lower body around or even removetheir hands from the paddle. If your boat has a rudder, drop the blade so youcan alternately press on the pedals to stretch out your legs. Find a quiet pieceof water or have someone stabilize your boat so you can pull your legs up into a”cannonball” position to ease some strain, or even hang your legs over eitherside of the boat.

Hugging your boat is a good lower back and hamstring stretch. Your boat willappreciate it, too!

Hamstrings

The backs of your legs will often get tight as you sit in your boat for longperiods. I can feel my hamstrings bunch up if I don’t have a chance to shake mylegs out after a long time in my boat. To stretch these muscles, sit in yourboat and lean forward to hug the deck. Hold this stretched position and thengradually ease off. Do this stretch several times, keeping your movements slowand controlled. At first, do this stretch while your boat is grounded; as yourbalance improves, you can do this while afloat.

While on land: Use the Downward Facing Dog yoga pose to stretchhamstrings, lower back, and calf muscles. Slowly press your heels to the groundand press your body back onto your hands and feet with legs and arms straight(see photo). Your body should form an inverted “V” as you breathe deeply andslowly while holding this pose.

The Downward Facing Dog yoga pose stretches large muscle groups in thehamstrings, lower back, shoulders, and even the upper arms, wrists, and ankles.It is also a way to focus prior to an outing or to unwind following a long dayof paddling.

The lunge pose (see photos below and on page 8) is another great stretch forhamstrings, quadriceps, and calves. Place yourself in a lunge position with theright leg forward with knee bent and left leg extended behind you. Then withyour hands remaining in contact with the ground, slowly rise and press the backfoot down (you may need to shorten your stride as you rise). You should feelthis stretch first in the quadriceps of the extended (back) leg. And then as yourise, the hamstring in the forward leg will stretch as your calf muscles stretchin the back leg. Hold this for twenty seconds and then repeat with left legforward. Anytime you use a lunge position, be careful to ensure that your frontknee does not move forward of your foot and strain the connective tissue of theknee joint. You can check for this by never allowing the lower leg bones (orshin) to exceed an angle that is perpendicular to the floor.

This lunge position stretches the groin and quadriceps of the extended leg andthe hamstring of the forward leg. To protect the knee, do not let the forwardknee extend beyond the forward foot.

One last stretch for the hamstrings is a version of the “keyhole” stretch (seephoto). While on your back, lift both legs and cross your right leg over theleft. Holding on to the back of the left leg, gently bring both legs toward yourleft shoulder and hold the stretch for twenty seconds. Repeat this with legpositions swapped. This is a particularly good stretch after a day of paddling.

Lift the body slowly, keeping your feet flat and hands reaching as low aspossible. You may need to shorten your stride to do this. This move will stretchthe hamstrings and calves of both legs.

This modification of the keyhole stretch is gentler to the knees and still givesyou a great stretch for hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.

To strengthen hamstrings and quadriceps, practice walking lunges—pickingup the back foot and lifting it to waist level before placing it forward for thenext lunge. Be very careful to not stress your knees, and go only as low as youfeel comfortable. Always make sure your forward knee does not extend over thefront foot. This walking lunge is also good for your balance and the smallmuscles that stabilize the ankle and foot.

Torso and Lower Back

You will depend on your torso to drive many of your paddling strokes, so it’s agood idea to start working on torso flexibility and strength. There are numerousstretches and strength-building exercises for the torso. Any regimen thatincludes building core strength and flexibility will help you as a kayaker.

While still in your boat, stretch your back numerous times over the course ofthe day. While paddling, avoid slumping, and make sure your seatback is adjustedfor the best support and comfort. An inflatable lumbar pad can ease back strainwhile paddling.

One of my favorite torso stretches is done in the boat. Hold your paddlestraight out in front of you and swing your torso as far around to one side asyou can. Drop the forward blade so that it touches the side of the boat, thenpush out with your upper hand; hold for at least twenty seconds and then changeto the other side. (If you prefer, you can do this same stretch on land. Sit onthe ground with your legs straight out in front of you and use the paddle asleverage off your foot on either side instead of using the boat for leverage.)

While on land: A variety of stretches will ease some of the backstiffness you may feel after a long day of paddling and also increase your rangeof torso rotation. Many yoga poses can be used to stretch the lower back andshoulders. My favorite, the Child’s Pose, is easily done before and afterpaddling (though one wag at a local launch site suggested I was giving thanksfor my safe return to land when I got out of my boat to assume this positionalongside the boat ramp!).

Here’s an easy stretch for the spine that can be done before or after anypaddling activity. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and yourknees slightly bent. Now allow your upper body to dangle down toward the ground(this will also stretch your hamstrings). Hold this position for about tenseconds and then begin to gradually straighten. As you raise your upper body,imagine each vertebra falling into place on top of the one below. Do this veryslowly until you’re completely upright. Then raise your head.

Cat-Cow Stretch. Get onto your knees and hands (see photos) and archyour back into a rounded position like a “mad cat.” Engage your core muscles inthe abdominal region while you do this stretch for maximum effectiveness. Afterholding the arched position for ten seconds, curve your spine in the otherdirection by lifting your buttocks and head. Make sure your shoulders are rolledback and the sternum opened in the “cow” part of this stretch. Continue toengage the core muscles of the abdomen during this phase. This CatCow Stretchmay feel a bit silly, but it is a great stretch for the back and hips.

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(Continues…)Excerpted from THE COMPLETE SEA KAYAKER’S HANDBOOK by SHELLEY JOHNSON. Copyright © 2011 by Shelley Johnson. Excerpted by permission of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc..
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