Adventure Racing
Are you getting into adventure racing but fretting about the kayaking section of your race? Fear not with these seven key tips to making your paddle time count.
The kayak section of a multi-sport or adventure race can be somewhat daunting for a lot of people. Chances are you haven’t been in a canoe since your school days, or perhaps it is a completely unknown entity to you altogether.
However, you shouldn’t let this be the reason for not signing up to race as we promise you the kayaking section is never as daunting as it seems and people often surprise themselves by finding their time on the water really enjoyable.
Sit-on-tops are used in the majority of races. These kayaks are, as their name suggests, completely open and are pretty bulky, making them virtually impossible to capsize. So that should be one less thing on your list to worry about. The kayaks in question are also built for two, so you won’t be alone out there. Generally, you will be paired with another competitor who also happens to arrive at the water’s edge at the same time as you.
To give you a little steer in the right direction we have compiled some top tips to make your time in the kayak at your upcoming adventure race run a little more smoothly. We guarantee you will be gliding through the water in a straight line in no time.
1. Get in position
Although the kayaking section of your race might only be 1-2km, it will feel a lot longer if you are in an uncomfortable position from the get-go. Your bum should be all the way back in the seat and your legs should be slightly bent. You will see a series of pegs cut into the plastic of your kayak at your feet. Straighten your legs out all the way and bring them back one or two pegs and rest your feet on them – as mentioned, there should be a bend in your legs. If your legs are straight, you will be unnecessary strain on your lower back.
2. It’s all about good posture
Sit up straight when you are in the kayak. Contrary to popular belief, it is not your arms that provide the power for your stroke but actually your core. Your arms should feel little exertion when kayaking.
3. Grab that paddle
You should hold your paddle a little wider than shoulder width apart. Your elbows should be high and straight.
4. A successful entry
Getting in and out of the kayak can sometimes be a bit of an ordeal with the majority of capsizes happening at this point. To avoid getting drenched, take some time to get in and out of the kayak. Ideally you want to place your paddle across the kayak, just in front of where you will be sitting. This will not only help to balance the kayak as you get in and out, but will also ensure that you don’t push off from land leaving your paddle on the bank – believe us, it happens!
5. The paddle stroke
You want to place the paddle blade in the water near your toes and then pull it back parallel to the boat to where your hip is. You then lift the paddle and repeat the same movement on the opposite side.
6. Keep it even
Your strokes on either side should be even – this will help to keep you in a straight line. At the start you will find it tricky to go in a straight line. Focus on a point on the land and practice paddling straight towards it.
7. Turn it around
The kayaking section on a race will generally be a loop around some buoys in a lake. So, turning your kayak successfully is therefore a pretty crucial skill that you will need to master.
A sweep stroke is the most effective way of turning the boat. This stroke will require a little bit of practice and an instructor to ensure you are doing it correctly. In a nutshell, you need to start your stroke further away from the boat, taking a longer stroke than the basic stroke. More energy will then be exerted on one side of the boat which will cause it to turn.