Beginner Kayaking Tips & Lesson Plan - Using C-Stroke Techniques
Choosing your preference of kayaking paddle strokes can best be determined by the type of water that you are paddling and the type of equipment that you are using. One kayaking equipment option is the tandom kayak. Tandom kayaks are most suitable for those wishing to paddle with young children or pets. These kayaks are also a viable option for planned paddling with friends or family members when one person has a more advanced skill level.
The most experienced paddler should usually occupy the stern (back) seat. The paddler in the back is responsible for steering and controling the kayak. Both paddlers can communicate easily and need to work together as a team. This will enable the more experienced paddler to give the more novice paddler tips to improve kayaking paddling techniques. Having a means to paddle in more advanced water is a great benefit for a less experienced paddler. Some people simply enjoy the closeness of shared paddling experiences.
Other Factors to Determine Seating Positions in a Tandom Kayak
Typically it is always best to have the larger person in the stern seat of a tandom kayak. Even weight distribution with a little extra in the back is the best option.
However, on calm weather days and depending on the circumstances, this can be overlooked. It is also important during calm water excurions to allow the less experienced paddler to sit in the stern to practice the kayak paddling techniques needed to successfully guide the kayak.
When a couple wishes to take small children or a pet along, then a tandom 3-seater is advised. The chid or pet should sit in the middle seat affording the back paddler the ability to easily supervise and safeguard all activity. With a 2-seat kayak a child or pet should always occupy the front seat for safety. Any time a tandom kayak is paddled solo, it is always best to sit in the center seat or the back seat when no center seat is available. Sitting in the front when paddling alone will give you minimal control.
Using a Canoe Paddle Forward Stroke To Effectively Move Forward
The most important element of tandom kayaking is teamwork and effective communications. For ease of communication the forward paddler should always turn their head to the side to speak or to listen to the paddler in the stern. The ability to effectively communicate is vital since the forward paddler is the eyes of the excursion and will need to assist in the navigation around obsticles. It is also important to coordinate verbally the intended means of handling the boat.
Another issue when tandom paddling is that the stern paddler must coordinate kayaking paddle strokes and avoid contact with the movement of the forward paddle. Having the forward paddler use the C-Stroke technique with a canoe paddle is a good forward momentum option. Using a canoe paddle on one side of the boat will solve the clashing problem and efficiently assist in propelling the kayak in a forward straight line.
To add the C-Stroke to your skills in tandom kayaking techniques, you will first need a good canoe paddle. This instruction is for a right-handed paddler, opposite for left-handed. The forward paddler should position the paddle vertically on the right front side of the kayak. Your left hand should be on top of the paddle with your arm extended and elbow bent slightly. This top hand will be moving through the stroke at a level higher than your head and should end the stroke centered over the cockpit.
Lean forward slightly to extend your reach as you begin with a bow (front end of kayak) draw (pull blade throught water). The stroke is 'C' shaped. Have your feet placed firmly on the footrests and rotate your body as you draw. End your stroke with a fast twist of the wrist which will rotate your thumb to a forward position.
Continue your stokes on the right hand side of the kayak. Another name for this kayak stroke technique is the 'inside circle' and this style is sometimes effectively used to control a whitewater kayak. Regardless of your kayak paddling technique always stay safe and enjoy the adventure.
References:
http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com
http://www.paddledognation.com
http://www.scribd.com/doc/957622/Tandem-Kayak
http://www.sierratradingpost.com
http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com
http://www.songofthepaddle.co.uk/strokes.htm