Paddling Styles For Sea Kayaking

The sea kayaking paddles and their associated paddling styles fall under two classifications-European and Greenland. Let us discuss about these styles in detail.

Paddle Style

European style: European paddles are blades in the shape of spoons at each end of a cylindrical shaft. European paddle style was developed for sudden maneuvering and fast acceleration in whitewater kayaking and then extended into sea kayaking. These paddles are made of aluminum, wood, or plastic. However, the best paddles are made of costlier material such as carbon fiber for lightness. The two spoon-like blades are set at an angle relative to one another (feathered) for enhanced efficiency as in this manner one blade moves backwards while the opposite one which is moving forward through air presents edge rather than face.

Greenland style: Greenland paddle is a long, narrow, and flat wooden plank with a cylindrical grip at center. It is like two elongated cricket bats that are joined at their handle base. Greenland is the traditional paddle style of Inuit hunters due to their material constraints (driftwood). The blades of Greenland paddles are feathered as in European paddles. The Greenland paddle is narrow in comparison to European paddle and is 7 feet long. The paddling technique involves more paddle movement in the paddlers hand and demands a huge variety of techniques for a capsized kayak by using combinations of both paddle and body movements. Many of these movements depend upon additional buoyancy of wooden paddle. Some other Greenland paddling techniques are associated with the other elements of Greenland style conditions and equipments and with the Greenland kayak design. Paddlers in modern kayaks sometimes even use Greenland paddle style.

Paddlers Safety

Paddling technique is important but even more significant is safety of paddlers in challenging conditions. Nowadays kayakers consider Eskimo roll a well-practiced self-righting move to be safe in open water kayaking even though it is a difficult and impossible maneuver to make in heavy-laden boats. Paddlers consider capsize the safest to paddle with one, two or more paddlers, as success of assisted rescue is more likely. Experienced paddlers attempt open water crossings without anyone accompanying them and various major long distance kayak expeditions are also carried out alone (solo). Sea kayakers are self-sufficient and carry extensive safety equipments like repair kits, towing lines, and survival gear along with them. Modern sea kayaks are so designed that they can carry a number of equipments for safety reasons while on expedition of two or more weeks without anyones support. So if you are going sea kayaking choose your paddle style accordingly and dont forget to carry safety equipments along with you.

Origin Of Kayaking

John MacGregor invented kayaking. In 1845, he designed Rob Roy (a canoe) and in 1866, he formed a canoe club with others interested in kayaking. In 1936, kayaking became part of the Olympics followed by white water race.

Kayaks History

People of Arctic, like the Inuit, first developed kayaks many years ago. Centuries passed away to design and redesign kayaks having supreme design for people of particular region. The term kayak means hunters boat or mans boat. The kayak is a boat powered by human. The deck of the boat is covered. The kayak has a cockpit covered with a spray skirt.

The first kayak was made of wood with a small hole in middle craft for the person to sit. Inuit and Aleut developed kayaks as a means for hunting. The design of kayaks varies considerably from one region to another. The design of canoes and kayaks differs distinctly as double blade paddles propel kayaks and canoes have flat bottoms and are propelled by single bladed paddle. In some countries like Ireland and Great Britain, kayaks are known as canoes.

One, two, or even more paddlers can be accommodated in a kayak. The paddlers sit in cockpits below the deck, facing forward. The spray skirt or any other waterproof material is attached to the edges of the cockpit in a secure manner to avoid water from entering the kayak and moving the kayak upright preventing the water from filling and ejecting the paddler.

Earlier people made different kayaks for different purposes, but now the term kayak is being used broadly for boat.

Baidarka- this is a double or triple kayak developed in Alaska as a means for transportation of goods or passengers and for hunting.

Umiak- this is a larger open deck boat. The Umiak (womens boat) ranges from 17 to60 feet and is made of wood and sealskin. Single-bladed paddles were used in it and had more than one paddler.

Material Used

Earlier kayaks were made of wooden frames covered with skinseal. They were made by people who would use it with skin jacket sewn into it to act as waterproof seal. With time, the material used to make the kayak has changed. Whalebone or driftwood were used to make kayaks. During those times, sea lion skin was used as covering with whale fat as sealant. Now kayaks are made from fiberglass, plastic, and carbon fiber materials. Nowadays, kayaks are light, durable, versatile, and sturdy.

Nowadays, kayaking is accessible by all skill levels and is a form of exercise, exploration and travel.

Ocean Kayaking Ride The Waves

If you thought that the calm waters are the only ones for kayaking, you are in for a surprise. You are wrong! Kayaking can be carried out over any surface of water. While whitewater kayaking is very popular, ocean kayaking is another form of the sport which is extremely admired. It is the best alternative for a surfboard. This form of kayaking is growing in popularity by the day.

Ocean Kayaks

Ocean kayaks are slightly different from the usual variety of kayaks. They are slightly longer than the kayaks that are used for whitewater kayaking. An ocean kayak is up to 15 feet long and has enough volume in the stern to keep it on the move. The kayak is long in size to accommodate additional gear that you may require on an urgent basis while traveling long distances. The special design of the ocean kayak is built in such a way that it can be easily maneuvered over rough ocean waters. Many sea kayaks that are similar to ocean kayaks are fitted with spray skirts to ensure water proofing. They are also fitted in with rudders, which are a necessary feature in them.

Staying Safe And Afloat In The Ocean

There is a big difference in kayaking on a lake and in the ocean. You must learn the basics of ocean kayaking before you embark on a journey. Try to go sea kayaking with an experienced partner who is an expert at the job. You must always ensure that the gear that you carry is in top condition and floats. If you are carrying any gear that does not float, you have to ensure that you carry it on a container that floats.

Your own personal floatation safety jacket has to have a lot of pockets to ensure that you can carry your own personal items with you all the time. Another important thing to look at is that all items that you carry are water proof as some water is surely bound to enter your kayak as it floats on the waves.

Finding The Right Kayak

Finding the right ocean kayak shouldnt be a problem. There are several websites and stores out there that will give you quite good sea kayaks and related gear at affordable rates. But if you have a kayak already that you are using for kayaking on lakes, never attempt to use that for an ocean kayaking trip.

Ocean kayaks have a different structure altogether and you should never attempt to change the basic rules. Buy some good gear or rent it for the first few times. Once you get a better hang of how things work, you can then get your own gear. You can also try a few coaching sessions in ocean kayaking that are offered on all major beaches and sports clubs. This will help you to get a better grip on proceedings.

Learn About Various Types Of Kayaks

Kayaks are small boats with a covered deck. The kayak cockpit is covered by a spray skirt or similar waterproof material. A double blade paddle is used to propel the kayak. Kayaks were mainly developed for the people of the Arctic region. Kayaks can accommodate wo to three paddlers facing in the front direction in one or more cockpits. The spray skirt is attached to the edges of the cockpit to prevent the water from entering and roll the kayak without letting the water to fill in it.

Classification Of Kayaks

Rigid kayak, folding boats, and inflatable boats are the three classifications of kayaks according to their structure.

Rigid Kayak: these boats are made of fiberglass, plastic, wood, carbon fiber or Kevlar. Amongst these hardshell boats, plastic kayak is quite cheap but is heavier. Plastic kayaks are tough, and repair ability is not that easy if damage occurs. A fiberglass kayak is light in weight and more expensive in comparison to plastic ones. These can be easily damaged and easily repaired. Carbon fiber, Kevlar and graphite kayaks will be more expensive and even lighter.

Wooden kayaks are different as they possess beauty of hand-made quality. People like to assemble the wood kayak by themselves and so purchase it in the form of kit. The price of wood kayaks varies depending on their quality. These kayaks are easily repairable and do not require maintenance.

Folding Boats: these kayaks are advantageous because of their easy portability and storage. These kayaks are made of aluminum or wood and are collapsible. They are expensive and last longer as compared to rigid kayaks. The resale price of folding kayaks is high. Although folding kayaks are flexible, tough, and stable, they lack in performance and speed to that of hardshell boats. With folding kayaks, construction is traditional and brings about a sense of nostalgia.

Inflatable Boats: inflatable kayak is a special type of kayak offering easy portability and storage. These kayaks can be transported easily using a carry bag. Inflatable kayaks are very cheap and are made of PVC, hypalon (type of neoprene) or polyurethane coated cloth. You can inflate these boats using electric pumps, hand, or foot. Inflatable kayaks use low-pressure air. These kayaks are non-rigid, pointed rafts. Inflatable kayaks are suitable on calm water or rivers.

Apart from easy portability, these boats are stable and can be mastered easily. However, paddling requires more effort and are slower in comparison to traditional boats. Recently, some manufacturers have combined the design principles of the folding boat with the overall design of the sit-on-top kayak by making use of various inflatable sections to develop an inflatable sea kayak.