How to Kayak (and what to do if it flips over.)

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking is generally differentiated from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is defined by the International Canoe Federation (the world sanctioning body) as a boat where the paddler faces forward, has their legs in front of them, and uses a double bladed paddle. Almost all kayaks have closed decks, however, there are many sit-on-top kayaks, and these boats are growing in popularity. A canoe is defined as a boat where the paddler faces forward and kneels in the boat, using a single bladed paddle. Canoes can be closed deck or open deck.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Kayak
• Double bladed paddle
• Life preserver
• Determination

1. 
   Your run of the mill life vest.

   Before even going near your kayak you should first put on a life vest.

2. 
   A double bladed paddle

   Sit in the kayak with your double bladed paddle and have somebody gently give you a push into the body of water.

3. 
   A person kayaking

   Before paddling reach a point of balance, and get the hang of how well you will have to keep your balance by leaning slightly to each side, not leaning to an extent.

4. 
   A group of happy kayakers.

   Once have have a balance, start with one side of the paddle, put it in water in front of you and pull back creating leverage between yourself and the water, you should thrust forward. repeat. To turn to the left paddle on the right side of your kayak. To turn to the right paddle to the right of your kayak. To stop simply put one of your blades in the water and allow friction to stop it.

5. When your done kayaking have somebody pull you up on shore if possible, you don't want to tip over while getting out!

Tips & Warnings

• Ask friends or consult an outdoors person to assist you in general training.
• Plan a day trip to kayak down a river, its tons of fun.
• Understand that kayaking is an dangerous sport, 710 people have died since the year 2000 in kayaking accidents.
• Helmets are optional but recommended for beginners and active climates.
• The first thing you must do upon flipping over is to bring your body forward and up against the front deck of the kayak. This is to ensure that you don't smack any rocks with your face. In the event that you do make contact with the river bottom, it should brush past your helmet and life jacket. Once fully tucked to the kayak, position your paddle parallel to the kayak (on one side) and reach your hands out of the water. This is the setup position of the Eskimo Roll. Than at once gain momentum and try to push yourself up in a roll. If all else fails, try your best to bail from kayak.