Kayaking Study Sheet
3 main types of kayaks: Touring, recreational, and white water.
Touring kayaks are long in length, usually 10-15 feet. They are easy to paddle, more stable, and can carry larger loads. They track through the water in a straighter path and can move swiftly through the water with less resistance.
Recreational kayaks are shorter, and wider, they are quite stable and built for slow streams and rivers or short trips on lakes.
White water kayaks are short and manuverable. The distinguishing characteristic is their upturned hull (rocker). The more rocker, the easier to pivot. Less rocker provides better tracking.
Hull: the front of the boat
Stern: the rear of the boat
Chine The chine is the bottom to side of boat angel. The more angled, the harder the chine. A rounded bottom is a smooth or soft chine.
Hull Symmetry: the more symetrical the hull is, the more manuverable it is. The more assymmetrical the faster and more efficient through the water.
Wet exit: sliding out of the boat into the water when the boat tips.
Bracing and banking: J-Lean= turning by lifting a knee. Using legs and body weight to turn rather than the paddle
Spray skirt: a piece of waterproof material that encloses the cockpit around the paddler. Keeps the water out of the boat.
Skills:
Turning: Paddle right to turn left
Drag paddle on the same side of the boat you wish to turn
J-lean
Getting boat off rocks: lean downstream to allow water to get under the boat. Do not lean upstream as water will go into the boat
Safety:
Always wear a PFD (personal flotaion devise)
Always paddle with a buddy or prefereably 2 buddies
Wear a helmet (especially in white water)
Throw bags are recommended
Know the river and it’s hazards
Wear appropriate clothing (dry suits or wet suits if the water and air temps added together do not equal 100* F.
If no spray skirt is used, you should have a pump and sponge ofr excess water
Water survival chart:
If water temp is: expected time of survival in the water is:
32.5 under 15-45 min.
32-40 30-90 min
40-50 1-3 hours
50-60 1-6 hours
60-70 2-40 hours
70-80 3-indefinitely
over 80 indefinitely
Tips to remember:
Use a kayak appropriate for the type of water it is made for
Always kayak with someone
Use safety equipment recommended
Know the water and its hazards
Plan for the worst and prepare accordingly
Back to top