Sea Kayaking Paddling Styles
Kayak paddling techniques for sea kayaking are more advanced because of the need to effectively paddle in more adverse water conditions and typically for longer distances. The novice recreational paddler in calm sea and wind conditions will have the ability to use a recreational kayak and basic kayak paddling stroke techniques for short, calm water tours.
For more diverse water conditions with wind, swells, or current, paddlers need to take more advanced kayak paddling instructions to be safe and know how to navigate throughout vast and more tumultuous waters. The right equipment is also vital. If you are planning to paddle by sea or large lake on a regular basis, you will need to invest in a good quality touring kayak that is equipped with all the necessary safety gear.
Your Forward Stroke Style Will Need Improvement
The first thing that you will need to improved upon is the efficiency of your forward stroke. Strong armed paddlers can not go the distances necessary because they tire sooner than paddlers using the correct forward kayak paddling style. Using the correct forward stroke you will have the ability to move faster and paddle for several hours with burning-out.
Have you ever noticed how an experience paddler can move faster on the water in a seemingly effortless manner? In order to master this change in stroke styles, you will need to change the perspective on how you paddle. A novice paddler generally thinks about pulling the paddle blade through the water which in turn forces the kayak to move. Experienced paddlers thinks of the paddle blade as more stationery and pulls the kayak past the paddle.
Using the Paddle as Leverage to Move the Kayak
Think of the paddle as a pry bar that is applying leverage to move the kayak forward. Using leverage to move something more easily requires using many parts of your body but not brute upper body strength. To move the kayak past the paddle requires the use of many muscle groups that include your thighs, abs, and lower back. The resulting strokes exude power.
To begin to learn this kayak paddling technique you should lean forward slightly and then plant your kayak paddle in the water as far forward as possible. To plant the paddle correctly, you should push your arm forward at about jaw-line level until your arm on the stroke-side is nearly straight. Your lower arm is the acting pry bar pin (axis) to increase your leverage and prevent unnecessary backward arm movement.
Keeping your feet firmly against your kayak foot-braces will give you something to push against while you pull your kayak past your paddle. By twisting your torso and thrusting your shoulder forward slightly as your arm extends, you will gain additional power from this kayak paddling technique. Complete your stroke with your upper arm almost straight at shoulder-level. your hand even with your chin, and your thumb at the center-line of your cockpit.
It is going to take a lot of practice in calm water to get this stroke style right. But if your goal is kayak touring then this skill will be invaluable. Take a sea kayaking lesson to learn all the paddling strokes and safety skills necessary for safe sea kayaking and touring adventure. You might also book a sea kayaking tour to get first hand advise, assistance as needed through-out the tour, and hands-on skills practice. Stay safe and have a great time.
References:
http://www.whitbyseaanglers.co.uk.