How to Paddle

What to Bring
Paddling Basics

What to Bring
A perfect paddling trip requires the proper equipment. Most paddling schools and outfitters will supply you with the basic equipment, including a boat, paddle, PFD and spray skirt (if you are kayaking). Here are few extras that will improve your comfort and safety.

A brimmed hat or sun visor protects your head and face from the sun's harmful UV rays. Sunscreen is also important. Remember, UV rays are just as severe reflecting up from the water.

Sunglasses will also protect against sun. Don't forget a retaining strap; you might swim even if you don't expect it

A solid paddling helmet is essential for whitewater paddling or surf kayaking.

Nose plugs or clips keep the water out when you roll upside-down.

Keep a water bottle handy while paddling to avoid dehydration. Bring snacks to keep your energy up.

A whistle or other audible signaling device can be attached to your PFD for easy access. A whistle can draw attention during emergency and warn other watercraft of your presence. The Coast Guard requires whistles on large bodies of water and navigation channels.

Proper clothing can make your paddle more comfortable. On cold days or in cold water, a synthetic sweater or long underwear provides warmth and wicks water away from your skin. Synthetic fibers are better than cotton, which conducts body heat and dries slowly.

A specially coated nylon or Gore-Tex paddling jacket with neoprene cuffs and collars repels wind and water. Paddling pants are also useful.

A wet suit is worn right next to your skin and can be a lifesaver when submerged in cold water. The neoprene material holds in a thin layer of water as a thermal barrier against the outside cold water. These are highly recommended for winter of early spring paddles.

Dry suits are relatively expensive, but is the ultimate piece of clothing for winter paddling. These are similar to a wet suit, but the cuff and collar are sealed with flexible rubber gaskets that form a seal around the wrist, ankles and neck to keep you completely dry even when submerged.

Gloves or pogies keep your hands warm and nimble on cool or windy days. Pogies are large mittens that attach around the shaft/handle of your paddle. Some folks even wear gloves when it's warm to improve their grip and prevent blisters.

A bathing suit and towel are nice accessories. Getting wet is part of the fun of paddling and not all paddling destinations have changing areas.

A spray deck or spray skirt is worn around the waist of a kayaker and closes around the cockpit of the boat to keep waves and spray from filling the boat. The skirt removes quickly with a release strap for fast "wet" exits.

Footwear is essential. Nearly 90 percent of all paddling injuries occur from walking around with bare feet. Protect your toes with strong river sandals, old sneakers or neoprene boots. Some paddlers wear fleece or wool socks for extra warmth.

At first aid kit comes in handy in the event of accidents. Ready-made varieties come in many sizes, some with their own dry bag. You'll also want a repair kit for your boat, which should include always-useful duct tape.

Dry bags are rubberized gear bags with sealed openings to keep your gear dry. These are great for storing extra clothes, snacks or camping equipment and come in many different sizes. It's good practice to secure these to your boat so they stay in when you tumble.

Guidebooks, maps and charts along with a compass are important for remote paddling trips. Just remember these tools don't replace the need for good river reading skills as rivers change constantly.

Personal Floatation Device (PFD)

Also know as a life jacket or life vest, this extremely important piece of equipment can mean the difference between life and death in case of a paddling accident. In fact, more than 50 percent of all drownings involving canoes, kayaks or rafts would never have happened if the victim had been wearing a PFD. U.S. Coast Guard regulations require that each watercraft passenger carry a Class III or V PFD or "life vest." It always a good idea for paddlers to wear their PFDs at all times when in the water.

Many people think a PFD has to be bulky and uncomfortable, but this isn't the case anymore. Today's PFDs are comfortable and designed to be worn all the time while on the water. When wearing the right PFD, you'll hardly know that you have it on. PFDs come in a variety of designs, colors and prices. Because paddlers wear their PFDs all day, you'll want to make sure yours has a secure, comfortable fit. All USCG-approved Class III PFDs (the best for paddlers) meet strength and buoyancy requirements, but a little extra money spent to get the right PFD for you will be much appreciated. Higher quality models have softer foam, are cut more comfortably and offer improved adjustability. Few universal-sized PFDs fit as well as models sized for specific body types. Make sure your PFD fits snugly and adjusts to fit over clothing worn for different weather conditions. Check the length to be sure your PFD will be out of the way when paddling.

Women and kids can be hard to fit with PFDs. Fortunately, many companies offer specially designed models for women and children. For children, you should be able to lift the child by their PFD without them falling out.

Of course, a PFD only works when you wear it.

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Matt, not sure if I like this better or the tips… probably tips cause shorter and sweeter

HOW TO PADDLE

Paddling Basics

In theory, paddling is simple. There are only three types of strokes: propelling, turning and bracing. But just these three strokes can seem daunting considering the multitude of variations and stroke combinations. At the most advanced level, just a simple flex of the wrist can alter the direction of travel and angle of the boat.

First the paddle. In a canoe, choose the side you want to paddle on. This is your on-side. Your hand on this side of the boat is your shaft hand and holds the shaft of the paddle. Your other hand is your grip hand, which rests on top the paddle's grip and controls the angle of the blade. Your hands should be spaced comfortably about shoulder width apart and your arms should remain mostly straight. If you paddle with a tandem partner, you will need to have opposite on-sides.

Kayakers should first hold the paddle horizontal above and resting on your head. Slide your hands apart so that your elbows bend at right angles. Lower the paddle in front of you and make sure your hands are equal distance from each blade.

There are a few basic principles for achieving maximum efficiency from your paddle strokes. For maximum power transfer, angle the blade perpendicular to the force of resistance. When you want the boat to move forward, hold the paddle vertically. As you apply power through the stroke, ensure that the blade of the paddle remains vertical to the water's surface. Any alteration to the lateral and vertical angles will create a turning motion or create lift out of the water - both are wasted energy if you are trying to go straight. A second principle is to face your work and apply power from your major muscle groups. You'll have much more strength and endurance in your back and shoulders then in just your arms. Rather than simply pulling on the paddle with your arms, rotate your torso and unwind through the stroke. Rotating your torso so that your chest faces your paddles also protects from possible shoulder injuries. This principle is easily applied by watching the blade throughout each stroke. As you gain experience, you'll be able to rotate your body while looking in any direction.

The basic strokes are pretty simple. To turn left, take a wide-reaching sweep stroke on the right. For a forward stroke, keep your paddle close in and parallel to the boat's centerline. To move sideways, place the paddle out to the side and draw yourself into it. You can perform each of these strokes on both sides and in reverse.

Even if you become an expert paddler, you may eventually capsize (swim or flip). If you're in a canoe, just fall out. Your PFD will keep you afloat. Do your best to hold onto your boat and paddle. If you're on moving water, float on your back with your feet on the surface of the water. In even a shallow river with a current, your feet can become trapped under a rock. While holding your boat and paddle with one hand, swim with your other hand to the nearest shore or eddy. Try not to stand up until you are out of the current.

If you capsize in a kayak, you need a little more patience. Gravity will get you out, but you need to keep your legs straight. As soon as you flip over, tuck forward and pull on the spray deck grap loop, which should be right in front of you. Slide your hands on the deck behind you and push out while doing an upside-down somersault. Wait until your feet are completely out of the kayak before coming to the surface. The whole process takes only a few seconds, but it's worth practicing a few times to reduce any anxiety about being turned upside-down under water. Try to grab your boat and paddle before they float away. On calm, flat water, your partner may be able to help you drain and reenter your boat without swimming to shore.

Paddling takes practice, but even the novice can enjoy learning this exciting pastime. A few simple lessons from a qualified instructor will speed up your learning process dramatically and help you explore new paddling adventures. Before you know it, you'll be on your way to paddling adventure.