Kayaking Group 

Introduction

Summer or not, it is always a good time to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to a more relaxing and peaceful location, like the beach or by the lake. With so many water activities to choose from, you definitely cannot get bored!

One of the most popular activities for people who want to test and ride with the waves is kayaking. It is not as extreme or complicated as surfing, but it is certainly one of the most enjoyable things you can do on water. Are you tired of swimming all day? Try kayaking instead!

But, before you jump on a kayak, make sure you are familiar with the activity first. It is not an easy-peasy one, after all. Continue reading below to get our introduction to kayaking!

Introduction to Kayaking – Kayaking Sport Overview

Kayaking may look like simply riding on a boat, but it is much more complex.

Considered as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport, kayaking is usually performed with a specialized boat, “the kayak”, and a double-bladed oar for paddling. Kayaking is very versatile and can be done in practically any body of water— In fact, you can do it on rivers, oceans, seas, and even big lakes.

A more interesting and exciting fact about kayaking is that you do not need any advanced skill to do it. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned kayaker, you can practice kayaking easily. However, it is still best to have a professional nearby, especially if you are kayaking for the first time. Remember: safety first!

Kayaking History

Nowadays, kayaking is considered one of the preferred water activities by a majority of people in the world. But back when it was first discovered, kayaking was considered anything but a recreation activity.

The earliest record of a kayak’s usage happened thousands of years ago. The Inuits (or Eskimos), inhabitants of the arctic region, created and used kayaks made of driftwood and sealskins to serve as their primary mode of transportation for hunting, fishing, and transferring supplies from one place to another. In fact, the term “kayak” literally translates to “hunter’s boat.”

As years and seasons changed, so did the construction of kayaks. In the early 1900s, Europeans replaced sealskin covers with fabric, and thanks to Hans Klepper, a German inventor, the folding kayak was born.

By the 1930s, kayaks had become more than just a necessary mode of transport— as evident by the use of kayaks in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. As time passed by, several versions of kayaks were also invented— fiberglass, plastic, and more. Until today, kayaks are still improving in terms of materials and construction.

Whitewater kayaks

For people who want more adventure than a calm river and wish to go with the rapids, then this kind of kayak is the one to rent or buy. It has two major subcategories: creek boats (for overall versatility) and play boats (for trick contests and optimum maneuverability). Whitewater kayaks are also smaller than touring kayaks, and they are often made of highimpact plastic.

Recreational kayaking might be peaceful, but it does not hurt to have a professional teach you a thing or two. After all, kayaking is done on water, and accidents might happen, so might as well get thoroughly educated before getting on (or in) that kayak. Dress for the water

Before kayaking, consider the temperature of the water that you are about to paddle on. Wear a life jacket all the time and layer up with clothes if the water is cold. Remember: safety first!

Choose your gear

Depending on the type of kayaking activity that you want to do, choose the right kind of kayak and paddle for you. If you are just going for a stroll, then a recreational kayak might be a good choice. Want to go on a whitewater or rapid adventure? Opt for a whitewater kayak, then! Remember: choose carefully. Make yourself comfortable

Most probably, you will be kayaking for hours, so it is very important to make yourself comfortable and at ease. Sit straight and make sure that you are paddling the right way.

Objectives

• Students will be acquainted with the history of kayaking.
• Students will develop a set of guidelines for ethical conduct kayaking trips.
• Students will be acquainted with ways humans interact with natural resources including individual responsibility toward natural resources.
• Students will become familiar with basic safety and dress guidelines for kayaking.
• Students will become familiar with terminology and equipment associated with kayaking.
• Students will become familiar with basic strokes for kayaking and demonstrate their ability to use them.
• Students will demonstrate appropriate techniques for entering, launching, and exiting kayak.
• Students will become familiar with ways to prevent hypothermia.
• Students will practice river reading skills

How to Paddle a Kayak

To start, sit in your kayak. Your backside should be all the way back in your seat and your knees comfortably bent. To find the proper foot well, straighten your legs all the way out and then bring them back one "well." If your legs are too straight, you may find you put strain on your lower back. If your knees are bent too far, you may end up knocking your knee caps when you paddle.

To find your hand placement on your paddle, start with your hands about shoulder width apart and centered. If you place the center of the paddle on the top of your head, your elbows should form slightly less than a 90 degree angle. There should be an equal amount of paddle shaft and blade beyond both of your hands.

Some paddles may have the blades offset, or feathered. A feathered paddle presents less surface area for the wind to catch. However, a special technique must be used to get both blades in the water. If the paddle is a right hand control, (when the right blade is held vertical, the left blade "scoop" is up) the right hand will stay tight and your left hand loose. To learn the process, hold the paddle tight in your right hand and loose in your left. Using the right hand, rotate the paddle blade back and forth; it should slide through your left hand. Now take a stroke on your right, cock your right wrist back (left hand staying loose and somewhat open) and take a stroke on your left, and so forth. If using a left hand control paddle, reverse the process: the left hand stays tight and the right loose.

The basic paddle stroke is a forward power stroke. Place the paddle blade in the water near your toes. Pull the paddle blade back alongside the boat to approximately your hip. Lift the paddle blade and take a stroke on the other side.

If the paddle blade drifts out to the side in an arc, it will force the bow of the boat to swing away from the paddle blade. This is called a sweep stroke and is used to turn the boat.

There are basic safety rules that all boaters should follow

As with all recreational activities, there is always the possibility of injury or death. Always use common sense and follow all safety rules at all times.

• Be aware of weather conditions and water temperature. Prepare for changes in weather and the possibility of a capsize. If paddling in cold water, a wet suit or dry suit can keep you warm and comfortable. In warm weather, a long sleeve shirt can provide sun protection.
• Invest in appropriate clothing for your climate. One advantage of sit-inside kayaks is that you can shield yourself from some of the elements, while sit on-tops leave you more exposed. Dress for the day.
• Beware of winds that make it difficult to return to bank.
• Always follow the boating rules of the area you're in.
• Never mix alcohol or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) with boating.
• Never exceed the weight capacity of your boat and always check your equipment for wear and tear before you paddle.
• Seek qualified instruction to learn proper paddling techniques, water safety and basic first aid.
• Most importantly, WEAR YOUR PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE or given by IIITS. IIITS regulations require that all kayaks have a lifejacket on board. Wearing your lifejacket will help keep your head above water and add insulation to your body, keeping you warmer in cold water. There are great PFDs designed specifically for paddlers.
• Tell someone your paddle plan, which includes: where you are going, what you will be doing, how long you expect to be gone and how many people are in your party. Then stick to your plan.
• Paddling in the surf zone or in rivers can be dangerous. Always wear a helmet.
• Stay hydrated. Always bring plenty of water and food.
• When paddling in a new area, check with the locals regarding currents, bankline conditions and weather patterns. Plan an "escape" route - an alternative place to get off the water should environmental conditions dictate it. Abiding by these rules will help to make your kayak adventure safer and fun.

Rules of Lakes and Rivers

Right of Way The most frequently reported accident is a collision with another boat or object in the water. Carelessness or inattention is the most common cause for these collisions. Accidents can be avoided if paddlers pay attention and learn the rules of the “road.” If two crafts are meeting head-on or nearly so, both operators should alter their course to the right and pass at a safe distance. Unpowered crafts, like kayaks, generally have the right-of-way over powered crafts. However, large commercial crafts on the Lake or canal water in Sri City have the right away over smaller crafts because
of their limited ability to maneuver.

Code of Conduct

It is the policy of: Indian Institute of Information Technology, Sri City. That all paddlers, volunteers, coaches and parents show respect and understanding for each other and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club. The aim is for all paddlers to improve performance and have fun.

Everyone involved in the Club should abide by the Club Rules and Policies.

 

Safety is paramount at all times and the word of any Club Coach or Club Official is final.

Paddling Ethics

Taking Care of the Resource

Part of the enjoyment of paddling is getting out in nature to observe scenery and wildlife or birds. To some, this is the sole reason for paddling. Paddlers must protect natural resources so we can enjoy them today and tomorrow.

Wildlife is scared easily by humans. If animals are nesting, breeding, or seeking shelter, scaring them can create a dangerous situation for them or their young. Observe the following guidelines when watching wildlife:

• Paddle quietly.
• Don’t splash paddles near wildlife.
• Keep a respectful distance (approximately 20 feet).
• Stay at least 100 feet from nesting sites.

Paddlers help aquatic resources when they leave the place better than they found it. Pick up all litter (yours and others).

[Note: Do not attempt to pick up hazardous substances or disturb a meth lab. If something seems suspicious, don’t touch anything. Note the location and contact local law enforcement officials immediately]

Etiquette Respect other paddlers. Keep voices down; sound carries over water. Obey all regulations for a particular body of water.

Paddlers

• Take care of all property belonging to the club or club members
• Treat other club members with respect at all times - on and off the water - treat other paddlers as you would want to be treated yourself
• Control tempers and avoid behavior which may inconvenience or upset others, in particular the general public including those who live on or use the canal
• Co-operate and listen to your coach or club officials

Paddling Equipment

Kayaks

Before getting started, it is important to become familiar with common boating terminology. This will help you choose a craft appropriate for your program and teach the essentials of paddling.

Basic Paddling Terms

• aft back part of craft
• astern back part of craft
• amidship center of craft
• ballast weight that lowers center of gravity and adds stability
• forward ahead; toward the front of the craft
• leeward away from the wind
• offside direction of a maneuver in which the craft moves away from the bow; designated paddling side
• onside direction of a maneuver in which the craft moves toward the bow; designated paddling side
• port left side of craft when facing the bow
• Power-face side of paddle blade pressed against the water during a forward stroke
• starboard right side of craft when facing the bow
• stern back part of craft
• trim balanced from end to end and side to side; center of gravity over keels, below gunwales, and as near bottom as possible
• windward toward the wind

Kayak

• braces/support walls made of waterproof
• foam; keeps deck from collapsing onto legs from pressure
• Flotation bag buoyant material that prevents kayak from filling with water foam knee pads protect your knees and keep them from sliding around foot peg used to place
• feet; may be adjusted to brace knees under side of deck