Tips for Kayak Adjustments and How to Paddle efficiently
Kayak Adjustments:
First things first, we need to adjust the rudder pedals to the person steering the kayak. "How?", you ask. Well, you need to sit with your back straight and give a slight bend to your knees so you are more stable and have more control of the rudder.
How does the rudder work?
There is a rope that pulls it up and down.
The basics are simple: if you want to turn left, you push the left-side pedal, and if you want to turn right, you push the right-side pedal. Always paddle on both sides of the kayak, and the faster you paddle, the faster you turn.
For the most part, you keep the pedals centered, and only press them softly to turn. The only times you push them to the maximum is if you would like to make a full turn.
Optimal Rowing Techniques:
How to use the paddle: Holding the paddle: make sure that you can read the paddle's brand, that way you make sure you are paddling with the active side.
You should adjust the rubber circles near the paddles. Their job is to keep water from running down and dripping on your hands.
Forward propulsion: To find the right position for your hands, put your arms by your side, and bend your elbows at 90°, keeping your wrists in line with your elbows. Or place your hands a bit wider than your shoulders.
Once you have your hands in position, keep your arms extended, with a micro bend in your elbows. The effort should come from your core, not your elbows or arms.
Ok, so now you have a proper grip of your paddle. What next? Put the white part into the water, down by where your feet are. Move it towards you, no further back than your hip, any more than that and you risk injury.
When you are paddling, you'll have the front arm fully extended, and the back arm bent at the elbow. Make sure you are pushing with your front arm, and not just pulling with the back arm. This way you will help divide the effort.
That is it for today's episode on safety. Come back tomorrow for part three of this series!