Kayaks: Video Series

Before buying a used kayak, it's important to first determine the which type of kayak to get, whether it be a touring boat, a tandem kayak or a recreational kayak. Learn about buying a used kayak that has a comfortable seat, a storage compartment, foot pegs and a quality hull with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on buying a used kayak.

When paddling a kayak, the hands should be a little farther ahead than the shoulders, they should be even on the paddles and the grip on the paddle should be light. Find out how to paddle backwards, forwards and how to brake in a kayak with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on kayak paddling.

Before attempting to use a kayak, it's important to make sure to have a paddle, a life jacket and the boat itself. Find out how to keep a kayak upright by sitting back and centered with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on kayak basics.

When riding in a tandem kayak, it's important for the person in the back to mimic what the person in the front is doing. Find out how to paddle a tandem kayak while letting the person in front relax with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on tandem paddling kayaks.

An Eskimo roll is when a person in a kayak corrects a kayak that is upside down by reaching out to grab the water by keeping it in the air. Find out how to use the hips to flip an overturned kayak upright with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on Eskimo rolls in kayaking.

Freestyle kayaking is the art of performing tricks in the water and on the water in a kayak, and this is usually done by using current in the water. Discover how freestyle kayaking can involve "enders" with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on freestyle kayaking.

One kayak trick is the cartwheel, and this involves throwing the bow of the boat down, bringing the stern up overhead and slicing it back in the water behind the person in the kayak. Find out how to do a back deck roll on a kayak with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on kayak tricks.

Safety is key in kayaking, and it starts with making sure to bring all of the proper equipment, such as a life jacket and a whistle. Discover how to check out the conditions of the water before kayaking with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on kayak safety.

When rigging out a kayak, it's important to bring a first-aid kit, a bilge pump, sunscreen, a water bottle, a map, a lunch, a rain jacket and bungee straps. Learn about using tow straps on a kayak with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on rigging out a kayak.

Safety gear for kayaking includes a life jacket that fits properly, a whistle, a first-aid kit, energy bars, water tablets, a tow line and a dry bag. Find out when a paddle leash should be used in kayaking with help from a whitewater and recreational kayaking instructor in this free video on kayak safety gear.