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#1
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Difficulty Tracking Straight in Kayak
Yesterday I went kayaking for the first time. I had a Dagger closed
kayak, which we rented from a local place. I had a very hard time to keep the kayak tracking straight. There were very few rapids, so it was mostly just slow paddling in smooth water. I had a very difficult time keeping the kayak tracking straight. It wanted to turn left. Just wondering if this is normal or due to bad technique on my part. I am thinking that next time I will rent a longer open kayak that will hopefully track better. The rapids were not severe at all (Guadalupe River in Central Texas). Thanks, Stan |
#2
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you paddled rapids on your first time in a kayak? hopefully you were
wearing a life vest! "No Spam" wrote in message ... Yesterday I went kayaking for the first time. I had a Dagger closed kayak, which we rented from a local place. I had a very hard time to keep the kayak tracking straight. There were very few rapids, so it was mostly just slow paddling in smooth water. I had a very difficult time keeping the kayak tracking straight. It wanted to turn left. Just wondering if this is normal or due to bad technique on my part. I am thinking that next time I will rent a longer open kayak that will hopefully track better. The rapids were not severe at all (Guadalupe River in Central Texas). Thanks, Stan |
#3
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On 30-Aug-2004, No Spam wrote:
I had a very difficult time keeping the kayak tracking straight. It wanted to turn left. Just wondering if this is normal or due to bad technique on my part. Both. WW kayaks are not made to track and they are basically unstable longitudinally. Once they start to turn, they want to continue. You have to learn to correct for tracking errors before they start (which sounds impossible, but once you get the hang of it, you'll know what I mean). I am thinking that next time I will rent a longer open kayak that will hopefully track better. Better you should learn to handle a regular WW kayak in WW than getting into a kayak that will be more difficult to handle when conditions get more serious. Open has nothing to do with your problems. Mike |
#4
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Stan,
This is a very common problem. Most beginning whitewater kayakers experience this. In many ways it is like learning to ride a bicycle. The beginning rider has not learned to make the proper minor corrections and wobbles down the road. At some point, your body gets it and you begin to make minor corrections well before you get out of control. What you need is more "seat time." As you spend time in the seat, you will steadily get more control. Instruction would certainly speed your learning curve. Here are a couple of tips: 1) Paddle in front - Put the paddle in by your toes and take it out at your hips. 2) Keep the paddle relatively close to the boat and vertical. Wide strokes are called "sweep Strokes" and are used for correction and turning. 3) Try to anticipate the turning and correct it as soon as you feel it. correct it with a wider stroke on the side you are turnig towards (i.e. - If you are spinning left, take a wider stroke on the left). Note a harder (more energetic) or multiple strokes on that side will also work. 4) I would take your WW boat on flat water first. That will allow you to eliminate the current factor and concentrate on control. Good luck to you. If you really want to paddle whitewater, stick with the whitewater boat. It does have a bit of a learning curve but you will get it eventually. Have fun! Randy |
#5
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Great tips - thanks!
I took the Scupper out in the harbor last night and was all over the place (partly because of the inconsistent breeze). Are there any good sites on basic paddling techniques? I'll do a search, but thought you guys might be able to recommend some. "Randy Hodges" wrote in message om... Stan, This is a very common problem. Most beginning whitewater kayakers experience this. In many ways it is like learning to ride a bicycle. The beginning rider has not learned to make the proper minor corrections and wobbles down the road. At some point, your body gets it and you begin to make minor corrections well before you get out of control. What you need is more "seat time." As you spend time in the seat, you will steadily get more control. Instruction would certainly speed your learning curve. Here are a couple of tips: 1) Paddle in front - Put the paddle in by your toes and take it out at your hips. 2) Keep the paddle relatively close to the boat and vertical. Wide strokes are called "sweep Strokes" and are used for correction and turning. 3) Try to anticipate the turning and correct it as soon as you feel it. correct it with a wider stroke on the side you are turnig towards (i.e. - If you are spinning left, take a wider stroke on the left). Note a harder (more energetic) or multiple strokes on that side will also work. 4) I would take your WW boat on flat water first. That will allow you to eliminate the current factor and concentrate on control. Good luck to you. If you really want to paddle whitewater, stick with the whitewater boat. It does have a bit of a learning curve but you will get it eventually. Have fun! Randy |
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