Did you know? Kayaking is one of the only sports in the world that can be practiced anywhere there is water, whether in lakes, rivers, or even on the sea. Kayaking is an excellent way to connect with nature and discover the world around you from a whole new perspective. You will be able to navigate regions that many will never reach. So, we invite you to discover through this article five key tips to get started with your kayak.
Prepare your body before starting
Once you have chosen your kayak, it is normal to start with a little preparation of your body before you begin. Indeed, almost all the muscles in your body will help you practice kayaking. Thus, your back, abdominals, legs, and glutes play a significant role in using a kayak. It is therefore important to work on them regularly. And if you hadn’t thought of it this way, regular training and stretching will spare you from shoulder, wrist, or elbow injuries.
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Be comfortable during your first session
When you practice kayaking with an instructor, you might not go more than one or two kilometers. However, if you are in an uncomfortable position, the duration of this exercise will feel much longer. Indeed, you should be as low as possible and your legs should be slightly bent. If your legs are completely stretched in the kayak, you may feel a lot of tension in your lower back.
Remember that your posture is vital
Stand up straight when practicing kayaking. Contrary to what many people believe, power does not come from the arms, but rather from the torso. However, your arms will need to exert effort while kayaking. Also, don’t forget to hold your paddle correctly. You should grip it a little wider than your shoulders, keeping your elbows high and straight.
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Take your time when entering and exiting the kayak
Did you know that most kayak capsizes occur during entry or exit from the kayak? So, do not be in a hurry when performing this maneuver. To this end, it is better to place the paddle on the other side of the canoe, right in front of where you want to sit. This will help you maintain balance during entry and exit, and also prevent you from leaving the paddle on the shore.
Paddle evenly
When you paddle, you should do so evenly on each side. This will allow you to move in a straight line. Additionally, you should focus on a point on the ground and paddle gradually towards that point.