Kayaks for Sale

19 Apr 2012

One of the biggest challenges kayakers face is learning how to perform an Eskimo roll.  This is the one movement that fills more novice kayakers with fear than any other.  But once perfected, you’ll gain a huge boost in the confidence of your skills.

The name, Eskimo roll, comes from the technique developed by the early Inuits when they paddled their kayaks to hunt on the Arctic waters.  Of course, whilst you might not have to endure being submerged in near freezing temperatures, an Eskimo roll is a useful technique to learn and has, in extreme circumstances, proved to be a lifesaving skill.

For the uninitiated, the thought of having to learn an Eskimo roll is, in all honesty, worse than actually doing it.  It’s actually a relatively simple task – although that’s always easier said once you know how to do it.

Here’s a few ways to prepare before you actually begin to learn the movement.  It’s always advisable to be taught the Eskimo roll by a qualified kayak instructor.  If you’re not sure who to ask, check at your local kayaking center or in any store where they stock kayaks for sale.

• There are different types of Eskimo rolls.  The basic type of roll is known as a screw roll or a forward sweep roll.  This is what you’ll learn first.  Once you’ve perfected this, you can go onto discover types – such as forwards, backwards and rolls using just your hands for maneuvering.
• Check you fit in your kayak correctly.  It’s important to be snug inside the boat to be able to correctly perform an Eskimo roll.  You should have a slight pressure between the soles of your feet and the footrest, and your knees should be up beneath the thigh rest.  Ensure that you have a good backrest that fits comfortably into the small of your back and provides good support.
• Warm up your muscles.  Because the movement requires rotation of the torso and some flexibility, it’s advisable to perform some gentle warm up exercises before you start.
• Tell your instructor if you’re left or right handed.  That way he or she will be able to tailor the instructions for your needs.
• Master dynamic low bracing and edging before learning an Eskimo roll.  If you know how to do these, and are competent, this will help you perform the techniques needed to successfully perform and Eskimo roll.

The main thing to learning is to get out there and “do it.”  The first time is always the worst.  And in all reality, you’ll likely come up and wonder why you were so apprehensive in the first place.  But that doesn’t take away from the fear many people experience the first time.

Learning in a safe environment with a qualified instructor is the key to getting it right.  Once you’ve mastered the movement, you’ll find your confidence in your own abilities soar.  And…

. . . → Read More: Learning to Eskimo Roll a Kayak

15 Apr 2012

Many people think of kayaking as a young man’s (or woman’s) sport.  But when you take a look at the many older enthusiasts you can see that nothing could be further from the truth.  In fact, kayaking brings a whole new meaning to the term, “silver surfer!”

As the years go by, no doubt you might have thoughts about hanging up your paddles for good.  But somehow, the lure of the water often proves too great and the next thing you know you’re scouring the lists of kayaks and equipment for sale, readying yourself for another season.

Of course, you do need to take certain precautions as you get older.  The cuts and bruises that can occur during an unexpected dunking certainly take longer to heal as the years add up.  So let’s take a look at what the older kayaker can do to make sure he or she stays safe, whilst continuing to enjoy the sport they love.

• Be realistic.  One thing that age brings with it (in most cases) is wisdom.  No-one will doubt your kayaking abilities, but everyone undergoes various bodily changes as they get older.  The sooner you accept these and change your kayaking strategies to cope with them, the more enjoyment you’ll get from your kayaking adventures.
• Start the day refreshed.  Ensure adequate rest between kayaking sessions, and perhaps don’t go out for an all-nighter the night before a planned kayaking trip.
• Pace yourself.  One of the most frustrating things about getting older is that whilst the mind might still be willing, the body sometimes doesn’t keep up.  By pacing yourself on the water you’ll be able to carry on for longer.  Sure, you might want to play in the holes or allow your competitive instinct to run riot and ride whatever rapids the others do, but by not jumping in gung-ho at the beginning of the day will allow you to still have some fuel left in the tank for later on.
• Enjoy the company of younger kayakers.  There’s nothing that’ll keep you young better than being with young people.  Not only will your boating buddies spur you on and look out for you on the water (as you will for them), but you’ll probably be able to teach them a thing or two as well.
• Plan your route.  When you come across a harder challenge, then take your time to plan how to attack it.  Your reaction times probably aren’t quite as sharp as they were when you were in your twenties, and you might not have as much explosive power to get you out of trouble if need be.  There’s absolutely no shame in deciding that you need to bow out of a particularly troublesome hazard.  That way you’ll be in good health and fitness to carry on and enjoy your day.  And the next, and the next….

Because no matter how many years go by, kayaking is still some of the best fun that’s known to man.  And age is no barrier to this.

Long live the silver surfers!…

. . . → Read More: Kayaking for Seniors

13 Apr 2012

Packing for a kayaking trip is all about finding ways to make your kit take up less room.  And whether you’re planning to be on the water for a few hours, few days or longer, one essential item is a decent multi-tool.

Now, in years gone by this was always the faithful Swiss Army Knife.  And indeed, many people still swear by these great pieces of equipment.  But ever since Leatherman exploded onto the market, these natty gadgets have found their way into many a kayaker’s pocket, and a whole new generation of water lovers swear by them.

The Leatherman range offers a large selection of multi-tools that fold into a handy small size.  They start small, and go up in size.  We think that the Leatherman Supertool 300, a gadget that combines 19 different tools in one, is the ideal size to neatly fit into the small space for baggage that you have when kayaking.

When you head out on a kayak tour, it’s a trip into the unknown.  You never know what’s going to happen – that’s part of the appeal.  But one thing you do need to be is prepared.  And whilst you can’t carry a complete tool kit with you, a multi-tool such as the Leatherman is the next best thing.

There’s a reason why there’s a multi-tool display stand next to the kayaks for sale in your local store.  There are other makes apart from Leatherman, of course.  And each of these has its own virtues.  However, with a 25 year warranty, along with proven strength and durability, the Leathermans do offer exceptional value for money.  So whether you need a tool to pop the top off your bottle of beer or a tool to make a repair to your boat, you’re sure to find something that’ll suit nestling inside your multi tool.

The Leatherman Supertool 300 incorporates the following tools:

• Lanyard ring
• Regular pliers
• Needlenose pliers
• Wire stripper
• Can opener
• Wire cutters
• Hard-wire cutters
• 22cm ruler
• Awl with thread loop
• Saw
• Wood/metal file
• Electrical crimper
• 5/16” screwdriver
• 7/32” screwdriver
• 1/8” screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• 420HC knife
• 420HC serrated knife

The Leatherman Supertool 300 weighs 9.6 oz. and measures 4 ½” in length (folded).  There are larger multi-tools, but this is the perfect combination for both size and the sheer variety of tools contained within, in our humble opinion.

One thing that’s vital to ensure, whatever way you choose to carry tools when kayaking, is that you have the means to cope with the unexpected.  We can all plan for the expected, but it’s when something goes wrong that your equipment is really put to the test.  Along with all the other safety kit you should always carry with you on a kayaking expedition, the right tools will be a godsend should the time come for you to need them.…

. . . → Read More: The Leatherman Multi-Tool – A Must-Have for Serious Kayakers

9 Apr 2012

So you’ve decided that kayaking is a sport you enjoy, and the time’s come to think about purchasing your own boat.  It’s a big step and you want to ensure that you make the right decision.  After all, there are so many different types of kayak for sale.  The last thing you want to do is make a mistake.  Not only do they represent a fair investment, but you really don’t want to waste valuable water time by making the wrong choice.

So here are our top tips for choosing the right kayak to buy.

• Know what type of kayak you want.  The biggest question of all, and one that deserves a little time to make sure you get right.  There are a multitude of different types of kayaks for sale in each discipline of the sport.  Not only that, but there are kayaks that are suitable to use for more than one discipline – such as crossover kayaks.  Taking some time to fully understand exactly what type of kayak will suit your needs will make it far more likely that you make the right purchase straight off.
• Do some research.  Discovering information about the various different kayaks for sale is so much easier now than in the past, thanks to the internet.  There’s a wealth of forums, blogs, articles and the like to choose from, and these can make interesting reading.  Kayak manufacturers also have plenty of information available on their websites and brochures.
• Kayak shows and “try out” days.  The sport of kayaking is extremely popular.  This means that it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll be a kayaking and watersports show or event going on near you at some point.  These are a great place to go and be able to look at the various different types of kayaks for sale.   In fact, these shows often offer some great discounts if you make a purchase on the day.  Some retailers also run “try out” days where they take various different models to a lake or river, allowing potential purchasers to come and have a go to discover which is the right type of kayak for them.
• Find the best price.  Once you’ve discovered which kayak it is that you want to purchase, it’s then time to do a little detective work.  Prices, even for the same model, can vary considerably, and everyone likes to think that they’re getting the best deal.  Price comparison sites make it simplicity itself to check that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.  It might well be that your local store is offering a great deal, but in the same manner, you might well be able to purchase via the internet and save some further dollars.

Once you’re the proud owner of your new kayak, there’s only one thing left to do.  And that’s to head to the water and get paddling.  Taking a few careful steps before you part with your cash can ensure that not only do you make any costly mistakes, but that your spare time is spent doing what it is that you enjoy the most – getting out on the open water and having fun.  Enjoy……

. . . → Read More: Top Tips for Buying a Kayak

5 Apr 2012

It doesn’t matter what level of kayaker you are; perhaps you’re just beginning your discovery and are drooling over the kayaks for sale in the local classifieds, or maybe you already enjoy blasting down white water or getting out on the ocean for some wave action.  Whatever stage you’re at, enrolling on a kayaking course can see you learning some great new skills.

There are many different coursed run by kayak centers throughout the country.  The following show you the sheer variety to choose from.

Taster Courses

Perfect for those who’ve yet to try one of the most versatile sports you can think of.  Such a course will get you out on the water and learning the basic movements to get you paddling on your own.  You’ll also learn about the different aspects of the sport, and such a taster will allow you to decide if you’d like to take the sport further.

Family Courses

Fancy a day out with the kids?  Kayaking centers now offer short courses that the whole family can enjoy.  Even if one (or more) member of the family is more experienced, courses such as these offer a wonderful way to spend the day with your nearest and dearest.

Discipline Introduction Courses

If you want to learn a little more about a specific kayaking discipline, then enroll on a course that will show you exactly that.  Perhaps you want to see if you’ve got what it takes to hit the white water?  Maybe you fancy a go at a “sit on top?”  Or what about sea kayaking?  Discipline specific courses are the perfect way to get out there and try it for yourself.  You’ll learn the basic skills along with vital safety aspects specific to the discipline.  The perfect way to find out if you want to take your education further.

Safety and Rescue

You can never know too much about this, and the ability to know what to do when things go wrong is something that’ll stay with you for life.  Whatever type of kayaking you enjoy, being out on the water does represent a certain amount of risk.  Even a small incident can escalate into something major if not dealt with in the correct manner.  Learning the correct safety and rescue techniques will not only benefit you, but also all of those who paddle with and around you.

Bush Craft

This might sound a little strange to have in a list of kayaking courses, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense.  Kayakers like nothing more than to head out into the wilds – after all, what else are touring kayaks for?  So learning how to successfully build campfires, shelters and cook using the most basic of ingredients will make your wilderness adventures that bit more comfortable.

These are just some of the kayaking courses that you’ll find available.  They make for some great days out, allowing you to learn in the company of other, like-minded enthusiasts.  Ask at your local kayaking center or club for more details on the different courses running in your area.…

. . . → Read More: Top Reasons to Take a Kayaking Course

1 Apr 2012

Whitewater kayaking surely has to be one of the most exhilarating sports on the planet.  Once you’ve become proficient at it, purchased the ideal craft from the many different whitewater kayaks for sale and mastered the various whitewater available close to where you live, you might start looking for destinations further afield.

Listed below are 5 of the world’s best white water kayaking destinations.  But beware – these are not for the faint hearted!

Africa

The continent of Africa offers some great water to enjoy some white knuckle thrills.  The White Nile in Uganda boasts some of the biggest white water river features in the world, and it’s no surprise that it draws some of the world’s best freestylers to practice and perfect their art.

However, don’t let this put you off, thinking that it’s only for the big guns.  There are some great areas that are perfect for intermediate paddlers to get to grips with some of the more extreme levels of the sport.  Plus the water’s warm, meaning that the inevitable dunkings are that much more pleasant to deal with.

And if you fancy combining your African adventure with some slightly more sedate efforts, the lower sections of the White Nile offer some great touring opportunities too.

Canada

Rivers such as the Ottawa, Madawaska and Rouge need no introductions.  The wilderness and mountains of the country provide amazing white water opportunities for all levels.  Plus there’s no language barrier either, both in verbal communication and reading any of the kayak touring guides available.

Nepal

Home to Mount Everest, this amazing kingdom offers some of the best whitewater kayaking in the world.  And you might be surprised at how easy it is to organize a trip here.  Many kayaking operators include Nepal as one of their destinations.  So if you don’t fancy going it alone, contact one of these to help you organize a vacation to remember.

New Zealand

Probably one of the best outdoor adventure playgrounds on this planet.  There’s a reason that New Zealand attracts the biggest whitewater thrill seekers.  Why not consider trying one of the fabled “hell runs.”  You don’t get to the hell run rivers by jeep, car or bus.  Nope, the entrance to these babies is strictly by helicopter only!

USA

And we couldn’t list a “top 5” without including our beloved homeland.  The U.S. has some awesome whitewater kayaking destinations.   These include the states of Oregon, Utah and Alaska to name but a few.  And with the many operators throughout the country, it’s easy to set up a great home grown whitewater kayaking trip with only the smallest amount of effort.…

. . . → Read More: Whitewater Kayaking – 5 Top Destinations

28 Mar 2012

We all know that the biggest purchase for the sport of kayaking is your boat.  But apart from kayaks for sale, what other gear do you need to safely enjoy your sport?

Let’s take a look at the basic essentials needed to enjoy your days out on the water.

• Paddle.  This is what you use to propel you through the water, steer your boat and is also your braking system.  A kayak paddle has a blade at either end.  These blades are set at angles to make paddling easier.  Paddles come in right and left handed options.  They are produced from various different materials, including aluminum, fiberglass and carbon.
• Buoyancy Aid/Life Vest.  An essential piece of kit that you should never venture onto the water without.  It’s designed to keep you floating in the water whilst swimming, should you be thrown out of your kayak.
• Wetsuit.  There are many situations when you’ll be far more comfortable wearing a wetsuit when kayaking.  Any water sport involves getting wet, and getting wet normally equals getting cold.  Especially when you’re a beginner, you can expect to take the occasional, or not so occasional, dip in the water.  Wearing a wetsuit will make this a much more pleasant experience.  Indeed, when the temperatures drop by even a few degrees, the wearing of a wetsuit should become mandatory to ensure your core body temperature remains at a safe level.
• Helmet.  Never dismiss the fact of looking after your head.  You only have one head, so look after it.  A good quality, well-fitting helmet will keep you safe from knocks and bumps.  A correctly fitted helmet should be snug but not tight, and should cover your temples and the nape of your neck.  It goes without saying that you should always have the chin strap done up securely.
• Spray Deck.  This is a cover that goes over the cockpit and protects water from entering inside.  Therefore you remain drier and warmer.  When you first start kayaking you might not use one of these, but as you get better and more adventurous you’ll soon find that such an item is indispensable.

These are the basic pieces of equipment that you might first consider purchasing.  As you continue to become more proficient at the sport, you’ll likely want to upgrade the basic items that were suitable for you at first.

But a word of advice before you go maxing out your credit cards on top of the range kayaking equipment.  To avoid making any expensive mistakes, always purchase items that are suitable for your experience level right now.  There’s a reason that equipment is labeled as suitable for beginners, intermediates and advanced, and that’s because using kit that’s too advanced will not make for a pleasant and easy life.

So be realistic about your abilities.  Not only will you save spending money unnecessarily, but you’ll have far more fun along the way.…

. . . → Read More: Basic Gear for Kayaking

25 Mar 2012

Taking to the ocean waves is one option that many people decide to try at some point in their kayaking career.  After all, this is one sport that offers so many different options it’s no wonder that it’s a growing pastime in both the U.S. and other countries of the world.  There are so many different types of kayak for sale.  So when you’re searching for what it is that you want to buy, you can’t help but come across articles and products to do with sea kayaking.

So, if you fancy trying your hand at sea kayaking, what’s the best way to go about it?

Sea Kayaking Courses

Before you go the whole hog and purchase your own sea kayak, you need to safely discover if this is a sport you’d like to further progress.  The best way to do this is to book onto a sea kayak discovery course.  There’s a whole host of different kayaking centers that offer such courses, and they’ll ensure that you try sea kayaking in a safe and secure environment.

Courses such as these are aimed at showing you how to get to grips with all the basics of kayaking on the sea.  Sure, you might be experienced at paddling on inland waterways, but getting out on the ocean requires some new skills peculiar to this kind of water.

Discover sea kayaking courses can vary in length from a few hours to a few days.  If you’re already pretty handy in a kayak on rivers and/or lakes, then you might like to choose a two or three day discovery course.  However, if you’re new to kayaking altogether, a shorter duration might suit you better.

What to Expect

An introductory course to sea kayaking will not only have you getting out on the ocean and paddling, but also introduce you to some of the vital skills you need to enjoy the sport safely.

These include

• Kayak handling skills specific to the sea
• Sea safety
• Tidal knowledge
• Current awareness and other water dangers specific to the open ocean
• Weather forecasting
• Planning coastal kayaking journeys

As with all types of kayaks, there are different types for different abilities.  When you start to learn sea kayaking you’ll start off with a craft that offers good stability and a wide hull.  Of course, you can expect to be provided with full safety gear, including helmets, life vest, spray skirts and, if necessary, wet suits.

Other safety equipment that should be on board each kayak includes

• Emergency flares
• Pumps

Practical and Theory Tuition

Whilst most of your sea kayaking introduction is likely to be practical, depending on the center there might also be some theoretical element as well.  It’s common to be taught the basics of working out tide times and tidal flows – essential information to safely take to the ocean in a kayak.  You might also be introduced to sea navigation, although this is a huge subject and will only be touched upon on an introductory course.

Once you’ve completed such a course then you can make a decision as to whether sea kayaking is a sport you’d like to continue with.  It certainly adds another dimension to an already wide reaching sport.  And it might well have you pouring over the kayaks for sale section of the papers and magazines, searching for your next purchase.…

. . . → Read More: Sea Kayaking – A Beginners Guide

13 Mar 2012

One of the things many beginners struggle to understand is when they hear people talking about different kinds of stability – in relationship to kayaks.  When choosing what type of boat to purchase from the many different kayaks for sale, one thing that should be mentioned is how stable the craft is.  Kayaks for different disciplines have different levels of stability.

There are two different types of stability – “initial stability” and “secondary stability.”  But what on earth is the difference?

Initial Stability

This type of stability is talking about the side to side movement of the kayak.  In other words, how wobbly it feels when you’re sitting in it.  Although this will feel very strange at first, you’ll soon get used to the initial stability when kayaking.  A recreational kayak will have a far superior initial stability compared to, say, a white water kayak.

Secondary Stability

Secondary stability is basically how far over a kayak can lean to one side without overturning.  When you look at an expert running white water on his (or her) kayak, you’ll notice that they can lean right over to one side without the boat flipping over.  This is because they need to be able to do this in order to ride the rapids and make the necessary sharp turns.

So although a white water kayak might not be a suitable craft for a beginner to learn on because it has poor initial stability, its secondary stability is far superior, allowing for much more extreme movements.

This might all sound rather confusing to a beginner, but don’t worry.  Each different type of kayak for sale is specifically designed to have the best stability and movement for the use it’s created for.  Therefore if you purchase a recreational kayak then it will have a wider width than a white water kayak.  This will give it excellent stability for all general kayaking on calm waters.  Whereas a white water kayak will be much narrower, meaning it can lean further to each side to allow for the necessary additional maneuverability.…

. . . → Read More: Kayaks and Stability

11 Mar 2012

Kayaking is an outdoor sport, and even if you merely enjoy paddling around your local lake and waterways you do need to gain a certain awareness about your surroundings to ensure that your sport is as safe as possible.

Of course, if you’ve gone straight in and purchased a craft for white water from the many different kayaks for sale then you’ll need to learn other, more advanced, water craft.  But for now we’ll just talk about the basics.

Kayaking Navigational Rules

You might well be taking to the water where there are other, motorized craft operating.  It’s essential that you understand the rules of the water – and this means not just assuming that you have right of way because you don’t have horsepower propelling you forward.

There are legal guidelines for these, and these are set out in the “Navigational Rules of the Road – For International and Inland Waters.”  It’s well worth checking these out before you take to the water.

Along with knowing these, you need to factor in many other “human” issues over which you have no control.  Are other people on the water in control?  Have they been drinking?  Do they understand the capabilities of their own craft?  And so on.  Being safe on the water is all about being aware of those around you – and sometimes just managing to keep our of their way.

Weather Awareness

You should make it a golden rule to check the weather forecast before you go kayaking.  But even if the forecast is fine, you should still be aware that the weather might change unexpectedly.  Wind, rain and fast in-rolling cloud are all weather that you should take notice of, and take the appropriate safety precautions.

Kayaking in the wind is particularly challenging.  You might suddenly find yourself paddling like crazy but not going anywhere!  If this happens, try to paddle at an angle to the way the wind is blowing.  Make your way closer to the lake or river bank where it should be a little easier to make headway.  In necessary, hit the land and remove your kayak from the water.

You should pay heed if you see storm clouds rolling in or hear the ominous sound of thunder.  The last thing you want is to be caught in the middle of open water with lightening striking around you.  If a storm brews then head for the nearest shore and leave the water until the storm is well over.…

. . . → Read More: Kayaking Awareness

9 Mar 2012

Okay – so you’ve chosen the perfect option from the many different types of kayaks for sale, and you’re now the proud owner of a shiny new kayak.

So it’s straight out on the water to enjoy your new toy, right?  But before you go gung-ho into a full day’s trek, have you considered your personal level of fitness?  Because, let’s face it, even a gentle day on the local lake can be a huge effort if you don’t have a good basic level of fitness.  And you don’t want to spend a week recovering, just because you didn’t prepare yourself adequately.

Getting fit for paddling

Even if you’re used to kayaking, but have allowed yourself to drop fitness levels during the winter months, then you do need to do a small amount of body conditioning before you take back to the water.

Upper body conditioning is essential.  You might like to try some or all of the following exercises:

• Wall Push Ups.  Exactly as they sound, it’s a push up in a standing position on a wall.  Stand about 18-24” from a wall and place your palms on the wall in front of you.  Lean forward, bringing your nose towards the wall, then push away.  Repeat 20 times at first, gradually increasing over time as you become stronger.
• Bicep Curls.  Using small weights (starting off with a 1 lb. in each hand and building up to a 5 lb. weight in each hand).  Allow your arms to hang naturally by your sides, then slowly bend at the elbow to bring the weights towards your shoulders.  Bring the weight back down again – all the time controlling the movement and making sure not to allow your upper body to swing.  Keep your shoulders down and back, this will really isolate the movement to bicep muscles.  Start off with a set of 10, gradually increasing over time as you become stronger.
• Abdominal crunches and curls.  Lie on the floor and bend your knees so that your feet are close to your bottom.  Keep your feet flat on the floor.  With your fingertips lightly touching your temples, perform 10 x abdominal crunches.  Then try for another 10, but this time curl to alternate sides as you lift.  Increase the repetitions as you get fitter.

There are many other types of exercises you can do to get fit for kayaking.  Your local gym will be happy to tailor a workout plan specifically to help you get fit for the season.  Most importantly, take it slow and steady to build up your level of fitness.  The fitter you are, the more enjoyment you’ll get from your kayaking.…

. . . → Read More: Are You Fit to Paddle – Kayak Fitness

7 Mar 2012

The last thing anyone wants to do is to injure themselves while lifting or moving their kayak.  And it’s surprisingly easy to cause a back or joint injury by lifting incorrectly, so you need to be aware of how to maneuver your kayak in the right way.

After all, once you’ve purchased your own boat from the huge collections of kayaks for sale, the last thing you want is to be resigned to waiting on dry land for an injury to heal.

Many people think that muscle strains are caused by lifting something that’s too heavy.  However, far more injuries are caused by poor lifting methods.  Whenever you move or lift your kayak you should ensure that you do the following:

• Look at where you’re going to be walking and carrying your kayak.  Is the ground uneven?  If so, plan to take the necessary precautions to make sure there’s no danger of falling or losing your balance (a basic risk assessment).
• When preparing to lift, do a few stretches and warm up exercises so you’re not lifting from cold.
• During each lift, bend from your knees to allow your large leg muscles to take the majority of the strain.  Whilst doing so, clench your abdominal muscles as hard as you can – this will protect your delicate lower back.
• Use both hands and arms to lift, and keep the kayak close to your body to avoid unnecessary back strain.
• If you have to carry your kayak a long way, ensure you take breaks if necessary.

Moving your kayak to the edge of the water is always more easily done with the help of someone else.  That way you can take an end each, and therefore avoid dragging it along the ground.  If you don’t have anyone to help you, then consider purchasing a kayak cart (they’ll sell these at any place where there are kayaks for sale).  This is a set of lightweight wheels that you attach to either the end or center of the kayak.  You can then easily move you boat into the water.

In general, you shouldn’t try to lift a kayak weighing over about 40 lbs. by yourself.  If it’s heavier, get a friend to give you a helping hand.…

. . . → Read More: Lifting and Handling of Kayaks

5 Mar 2012

Before you can take to the water, it’s pretty obvious that you need to be able to get into your kayak.  And this can be something that strikes fear into the heart of many beginners.  Yes, it can be a little challenging learning how to do this first of all, but once you master it you’ll be jumping in and out with ease.

Of course, before you even consider purchasing one of the many different types of kayaks for sale, you should ensure that this is a sport you actually want to take up.  And the first lesson to learn is getting in and out of the craft.

The key is to keep your weight both central and low.

There are two slightly different techniques, depending on whether you’re getting into your kayak at the water’s edge or from a dock.

Getting in and out of kayak at a dock

• If the water is shallow you can use your paddle in a vertical manner, setting one end on the river/lake bed and holding it close against the side of the kayak to steady it.  In deeper water just put the paddle to one side (but where you can reach it), and hold onto the edge of the dock to help steady you and the craft.
• Sit on the edge of the dock with your legs over the side.  Use your feet to balance the edge of the cockpit, and drop the line into the cockpit.
• Holding onto the edge of the dock for balance, swing one foot followed by the other into the center of the cockpit.  Crouch down quickly and then sit.
• Voila!  You’re inside.

Getting in and out of a kayak at the water’s edge

• If the water is shallow, use your paddle in a vertical manner as stated in the above method.  If the water is deep then put the shaft of the paddle in front or behind the cockpit opening, laying across the deck.  Hold it in place and allow one side of the paddle blade to touch the ground and prevent the kayak from wobbling too much.
• Using the paddle shaft for balance, quickly jump into the center of the cockpit – crouch down and then sit.

For both methods exiting the kayak is just a case of following each method in reverse.…

. . . → Read More: Kayak Basics – Getting In & Out

19 Feb 2012

Folks, here we go… the last push before we reach quiet waters…. At the end of this post, you can give your self a test, and be ready to go look for inflatable kayaks for sale or just any old kind of kayaks for sale – anything just to get out onto the water.

T

Tandem – a kayak designed for two people.

Throat – the part of a paddle where the blade and the shaft meet.

Tow Leash – a safety device that can be used to tow another kayak should the user get into trouble.

Tracking – the straightness with which a kayak moves.

V

Volume – a term for the inner capacity of a kayak, measured in gallons.

W

Waterline – the level at which the water sits at the hull of the kayak.

Weathercock – The difficulty in which the kayak turns into the direction of the wind.

Wet Exit – falling out of a capsized kayak.

Windward – going in the direction of the wind.

While it might well seem that there are a whole load of new terms to learn, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you pick up kayaking terminology.  And it goes without saying that if someone says a term you don’t understand – then simply ask.  After all, it’s human nature to like to guide and education others who enjoy the same activities as we do.  So absorb and learn, and in no time at all you’ll be talking kayak along with the rest of them

Have fun on the water – and stay safe.…

. . . → Read More: Kayaking Terminology 4 of 4

18 Feb 2012

We are wrapping up our presentation on Kayaking terms… and you can get ready to run out and check out kayaks for sale with confidence that the sales person won’t turn an eyebrow at your non-technical tongue:

L

Launch – the act of getting your kayak into the water from the shore.

Leeward – movement in the water that’s in the opposite direction to that of the wind.

O

Open Cockpit – A kayak without a ‘sit inside’ cockpit – such as a sit on top kayak.

Open Water – Much as it sounds, this is an open body of water that’s highly likely to have currents and/or undertows and will be flowing.  Open water will have no protection from wind or other elements.

P

Paddle Jacket – a jacket that specifically is used to help break the wind force in front of you, so making paddling and forward motion easier and more streamlined.

Paddle Leash – a leash that attaches your kayak to your paddle, so in the event that you let go it doesn’t go floating away from you.

PFD – a personal floatation device.  Otherwise known as a life jacket or a life vest – an essential piece of equipment for all kayakers.

Portage – the act of carrying a kayak across dry land.

Powerface – the side of a kayak paddle blade that pushes against the water to create forward motion.

Pry Stroke – a special paddling technique to make the kayak move sideways.

R

Rocker – The amount of curve on the base of the boat, from the bow to the stern.  There are two different types – kick and continuous.

Roto Molded – a specific technique used to mold and produce certain types of kayaks.

Rudder – a blade that’s found on the stern of a kayak that when moved will help steer the craft.

S

Shaft – the skinny part of a paddle.

Sit on Top – a kayak that doesn’t have a cockpit in which you sit.  Rather it is made of molded plastic and the user literally ‘sits on top’ of the craft.

Skeg – a blade or fin that’s located on the bottom of the hull to aid both steering and tracking.  A skeg can be fixed or retractable.

Spray Skirt – a removable cover that fixes over the cockpit when the user is inside.  It prevents spray and water entering the cockpit.

Stability – the ease in which the kayak stays upright in the water.  This is broken down into two components – primary and secondary stability.

Starboard – the right hand side of the kayak.

Stern – the rear of the kayak.

Swamped – a term used when the cockpit becomes filled with water.…

. . . → Read More: Kayaking Terminology 3 of 4

17 Feb 2012

Today, we continue with our series on Kayaking Terminology:

C

Cam Lines – tough webbing straps that are used to attach your kayak to a car roof rack.

Capsize – when a kayak turns over so it becomes inverted in the water.

Chine – the line where the bottom and sides of the kayak join together.  They can be described as hard or soft chines.

Cockpit – the part of the kayak in which you sit.

D

Deck – the top part of the kayak.  Prevents the hull from filling up with water.

Drag – any kind of obstruction or friction that prevents the kayak from moving forwards.

Drain Plug – a plug in the bottom of kayak that can be removed to drain water.  Not all kayaks have these.

Dry Bag – a waterproof bag that you can store items that need to be protected from the water, such as your first aid kit, wallet, cell phone etc.

E

Eskimo Roll – a maneuver used to get yourself and your kayak upright after a capsize.

F

Face – the flat of the paddle that pushes the water.

Flat Water – an area of water with no current.  Essentially the water is still and ‘flat,’ giving an area where you can float without wind or current moving your kayak onwards downstream.

Foot Pegs – small, adjustable pegs found on some kayaks that you can rest and brace your feet against.

Forward Paddle – or forward stroke.  The basic movement used to power your kayak forwards thought the water.

Flotation Bag – an inflatable bag that assists you with clambering back into your kayak should you capsize and fall out.

H

Hull – the underside of the kayak.

Hung Up – when a kayak gets caught on something, such as a branch or a rock.

K

K1/K2 – a one person/two person kayak.

Keel – the center portion of the hull (see hull, above) below the waterline.

Tomorrow, we’ll go on with preparing you for the ins and outs of talkin’ the talk, so when you look for kayaks for sale – or even if you just want to chat with a friend about inflatable kayaks – you will sound like an ace!…

. . . → Read More: Kayaking Terminology 2 of 4

16 Feb 2012

Kayaking Terminology

What springs to mind when you hear the word ‘kayaking?’

Do you think of pleasant days with the family checking out mile upon mile of waterways?  Or perhaps you think of skimming across the surface of the ocean with the salty spray spattering your face?  Maybe to you kayaking means battling your skills and wits against the toughest of tumbling white water, and the adrenaline rush that accompanies it?  Or still others will think of an uninterrupted day’s fishing – bringing home the days catch for the family to enjoy.

As you can see, kayaking means a whole bunch of different things to different people.  But one thing that many novice kayakers are surprised about is how varied and diverse kayaking terminology is.

So here’s a list of some of the more commonly used kayaking terms, along with their meanings.  Study them well, so when you run out to find a kayaks for sale, or also if you are particularly interested in inflatable kayaks – you won’t sound too far off:

A

Aft – anything near the back of the boat.

B

Back Stroke – a special technique used for paddling your craft backwards.

Bail – to remove water out of the cockpit of your kayak.

Beam – the measurement of the width of a kayak at its widest point.

Bilge Pump – a pump that allows you to bail water out of the cockpit of your kayak should it become flooded.

Blade – the broad section at the end of the paddle, used to power the kayak through the water.

Bow – the front of the kayak.

Brace – a technique whereby a kayaker uses the flat of the paddle against the flow of the water to prevent the kayak capsizing.

Bulkhead – either at the front of back of the kayak, this blocks off a water tight compartment that can be used for storage and/or flotation devices.…

. . . → Read More: Kayaking Terminology 1 of 4

15 Feb 2012

OK! Today, the last of our list of essentials to remember, and some other points to ponder.  Remember, whether you are looking for ocean kayaks for sale, inflatable kayaks for sale, or just planning on going out on your
fishing kayak – you always need to keep safety first and foremost in your mind.

Drinking Water.  It’s essential for each person to carry enough drinking water with them.  A general guide to how much each person needs is a gallon per day.  However, with extremes of heat along with the exertion of paddling, this need could well be a lot higher.

Float Plan.  This is simply leaving details of your intended route with another, responsible person.  It doesn’t need to be an essay – just brief details of where you intend to go and when you intend to arrive back.  And, it goes without saying, let that person know when you’ve safely returned.

Other tips include being fully trained for any eventuality.  At least one member of your party should have taken a first aid course that includes instruction on how to carry out effective CPR.  You should all take a course in basic kayaking safety.  These are easy to find, either on the internet or via your local kayaking club.

Carry a compass with you, and make sure that you have a good level of directional awareness (i.e. where you’ve been and where you’re heading).  In early spring and autumn you should also be aware of the water temperature.  If you’re planning on kayaking at these times of the year then you should learn more about paddling in cold water.  Hypothermia is a very real danger both in early and late season, when capsizing into cold water can leave you suffering from what could be fatal hypothermia in a frighteningly short amount of time.

Of course, kayaking is a fun sport, and these tips are not meant to frighten or put anyone off what is essentially a great recreational activity for all the family.  With a few simple precautions it can not only be fun, but safe for all involved as well.…

. . . → Read More: Kayak Safety: 4 of 4

14 Feb 2012

Continuing our series on things to plan for before running to buy a kayak for sale, or even if just looking for kayaks for sale:

Rescue Stir Up.   This is a clever little gadget that attaches to your paddle and paddle float to literally create a step to help you clamber back on board.

Bright Colors.  Even if you’re the kind of person who always chooses subdued colors, make choosing your kayaking equipment a time when you buck the trend.  Bright, vibrant colors of your craft, life jacket and other clothing make it far easier for a rescuer to spot you.  Yellow, orange or bright green are good choices.  Red is not so easy for a person to pick out at long distances, so try to avoid this if at all possible.

Flotation Bags.  These fit inside the front and back of a kayak.  They ensure that the kayak remains buoyant should it capsize.

Helmet.  Depending on the type of kayaking you’re likely to be doing, a safety helmet cold be a good option.  Of course, it’s essential if you’re white water kayaking, or your trip is likely to take you down any kind of rapids.  You might want to consider it an essential item for kids, whatever type of recreational kayaking they might be undertaking.

Spare Paddle.  This is not strictly necessary, but something you might want to consider if you’re+ undertaking a longer trip.  Because the last thing anyone wants it to left up the proverbial creek without a paddle!

Check the Weather Forecast.  This might sound obvious, but it’s amazing how many people just take a quick glance out of the window in the morning and think that as the sky is blue that it’s a good day for kayaking.  Yes, it might well be so, but without being aware of what the weather is likely to do later that day you can’t make a completely informed decision.  We all remember days that started sunny and ended stormy!

Some good websites to check the forecast are www.weather.gov and www.weather.com.…

. . . → Read More: Kayak Safety 3 of 4

13 Feb 2012

Continuing our series, here are some additional safety points to take into account:

First Aid Kit.  This needs to be kept in a small, water tight container.  There are many such waterproof containers available to purchase from outdoor or kayaking stores.  A basic kit should contain items such as energy bars, band aids, bandages, dressings, aspirin, antacids and burn creams.

Such a kit is suitable for a day on the water, but if your trip is going to take you overnight then you’ll need to include further items.  These might include an icepack, thermal blanket, disposable lighter, water tablets and some spare warm clothing.

Tow Line.  In case you need to tow another kayaker, or you need to be towed by someone else.

Paddle Float.  This is a flotation device that you can use to help you stay afloat should you capsize or fall out of your kayak.  It will also help you (or anyone else) to clamber back into your kayak from the water.  This kind of float is designed to slip onto the end of your paddle, so giving you extra leverage to climb back into your kayak.

However, doing so takes a little practice.  So rather than wait until you’re in an emergency situation to see if you can do it, you should practice beforehand.  It’s not easy!  But you should take the time to practice until you become proficient.  Of course, you hope that you’ll never have to use this particular skill, but should the situation ever arise, you’ll be desperately relieved that you took the time to do so.

Paddle Leash.  This would not be used for white water kayaking, but for any other type of recreational kayaking a paddle leash will prevent you from losing your paddle downstream should you accidentally let go of it.  It also stops your paddle from disappearing should you capsize – since the first thing that most people drop is their paddle.

Keep these points in mind when you look for a kayak for sale.…

. . . → Read More: Kayak Safety 2 of 4