How to Flip a Kayak
Kayaking is a recreational sport in many countries, and today is more popular than ever. It demands physical fitness and dexterity as well as perseverance to reap the full benefits kayaking has to offer. While kayaking in more severe environments, like strong rivers, you may be turned around or flipped over. In situations like this, you need to be able to flip the Kayak back over and get on with the journey.
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Instructions
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Turning the Kayak
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1
Bend your upper body over the front of the kayak with your head tucked down to avoid being hit by underwater rocks and debris when the kayak flips over on you. Maintain a grip on the paddle.
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2
Raise the paddle, with arms parallel, out to one side of the kayak and above the water so both arms and the entire paddle are out of the water on one side of the kayak.
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3
Sweep the end of the paddle, closest to the front of the kayak, into the water while your upper body reaches to the same side close to the surface of the water, mimicking the sweeping motion of the paddle.
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4
Snap your hips with a strong pull in towards the body, while the paddle swings in an arc through the water; use the momentum to turn the kayak back over.
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5
Stretch your upper body around towards the back of the kayak to finish the flip, then resume the normal kayak position once it is completely upright.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Practice this advanced technique with a professional before attempting it on your own.
Do not attempt to muscle the Kayak over with the upper body, since that can pull a muscle.
Make sure no other kayakers are immediately next to you, since the paddle swinging through the air could injure them.
References
Resources
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