11. Sea Kayaking

Unfortunately we weren’t able to go for an overnight sea kayaking trip. That’s why we divided it into two day trip. Day trip one (2.05.) was meant for learning basic paddle technique and get used to the kaya itself. For that we went  kayaking on the river Otra, right in the center of Kristiansand.

About sea kayaking:

With a little practice, almost anyone can climb into a kayak and move it around skillfully, with little effort. 75% of your paddling power should come from your torso. The muscles in your torso are far more powerful than the bicepts and tricepts. They can generate much greater force, for much longer periods of time, with less fatigue. If you incorporate these muscles into your paddling stroke, your endurance level will double or triple compared to paddling with your arms alone. To hold the paddle properly, place it on your head and as you got the balance, grab it with your hands. That’s the position you should hold paddle. If you look at your paddle, the blades are asymmetrical. This helps reduce the air resistance of the raised blade. Paddles can be feathered for left- and right-handed paddlers. Blades have a power face, that is pulling in the water and a back face.

For keeping balance press your feet against the footpegs and legs against the insight of the kayak.

 How to paddle?

Begin the paddling stroke by uncoiling your torso and keeping the lower arm near straight. Keep pressing the stroke-side foot against the footpeg to support the stroke. Try to generate more power at the beginning of the stroke, less at the end. That way you create power with the strong muscles of your torso, and right when your paddle is in the water at its most favourable angle. Keep your upper arm relaxed and hold the paddle loosely, so your muscles can rest. Keep your upper hand at about eye level, and allow your upper hand to move across your body, to keep the paddle vertical. End the stroke when your lower hand is about level with your your belly. Continuing further would feel natural, but it just slows you down. After the stroke, move the blade out of the water to back and away from the kayak. Lift the blade out of the water by leading with the elbow. and allowing the wrist to follow. Take care not to lift your elbow above shoulder level. Let your upper arm follow the rotation of your torso. After you lift the blade from the water, prepare for the next stroke. Keep coiling your upper torso so that you can start the next stroke as far forward as possible. Try to maintain a continuos flow, but focus on each paddling stroke.” (http://www.kayakpaddling.net/2-2, 21.05.2016)    

Capsizing

Even though kayaking is relatively safe, you can always capsize. It is quite easy to get of the kayak and most of the time you will “fall out” by yourself. But once you capsized, bang against the bottom of the kayak to make some noise and get attention from your mates. If they are near by they can give you an assited eskimo roll by holding his bow, so you can lift yourself up. If not, pull your spray skirt off. Leave your paddle between your arms and push yourself out to one side of the kayak. If you are close to shore, swim to it by pulling your kayak. If not your mates should empty your kayak by lifting it on top of their kayaks, then build a raft so you can climb on top and back into your kayak.      

We all had to capsize in the end it was real fun, not frightening at all. Of course the water was a bit cold, but after a quick change of clothes, everyone was warm and comfy again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second kayak trip (19.05.) took place where we have been with the college students as well. We went on a tour for about 6 hours including a long lunch break, relaxing in the sun at the beach for a about an hour. Everyone took the lead once and guided us to the next meeting point. The guiding on the sea is different as you have different maps and have to watch out for hidden rocks underneath the sea. Also keeping the group together is harder as wind, weather and paddling skills have big influence. 

 

The route:

During the day we practised our paddling technique. It is a huge difference to paddle on the open sea, then on a river. It so much easier to loose control over your kayak and much harder to stir. We had one capsize of Saedis, which showed that we have to be much faster in reacting and helping the one that just capsized. We were all kind of “shocked” and frozen so nobody really did something in the first seconds. After those two days of sea kayaking, I can say that I definetly prefer kayking then canoeing. Kayking is much smoother ans faster then canoeing. Also the fact of being alone in the kayak gives you the whole responsibilty, which makes it easier to stir and coordinate. You are much more independent. But of course there are also sea kayaks for two people, so I can’t say how that is.