By Anna Levesque
During a recent visit to a college where I was a keynote motivational speaker one of the students made a comment about whitewater that I had never heard before. She was a sea kayaker and climber who was interested in trying whitewater kayaking, but was very apprehensive about the sport.
She explained her uneasiness was due to the fact that there is a lot less perceived control about whitewater. The environments of climbing (on a wall or rock face) and sea kayaking (in protected shorelines and flatwater) gave her a sense of being able to have more control over her skills and over whatever situation may arise.
She mentioned that if she were climbing a wall and she wanted to stop she could stop halfway up, but in moving water you can't just stop because you can't stop the flow of the water, and that scared her.
I had never thought of that aspect of whitewater before because I had never felt that apprehension myself as a beginner and it was eye opening. Not only is that a great explanation for why some people are so fearful about trying whitewater kayaking, but it's also a good insight into what I encounter in a lot of women kayakers: The feeling of not having any control over what they're doing when they're paddling down a rapid.
I've taught quite a few women who get so scared that they stop paddling and just freeze up. Most of them tell me they don't feel like they're in control of their boat in rapids and they're right!
These women aren't in control, not because the water is too powerful, but because they're not taking action to be in control. They could choose to focus on paddling, reading the water and getting their kayaks where they need to go. They don't have to cling to the attitude that they have no control.
Let me say that I do not approach kayaking thinking that I can control or conquer the river, but I do approach it with an attitude that I can work with the water and paddle aggressively and positively to maneuver rapids successfully. Any time I have given up my power, lost confidence and felt out of control I didn't have a very good day!
It's important for all of us to remember that we have a choice on what attitude to take when approaching kayaking, or any other situation in life. Making good choices like taking kayaking classes, staying within our skill level, learning about safety and paddling with people we trust can lead to really positive, safe and fun kayaking trips. We have a lot more control than we think, maybe not control over the water, but control over our minds, our attitudes and our actions.
About the Author
Anna Levesque was the 2001 Freestyle Kayaking World Championship Bronze Medalist and is a motivational keynote speaker . Her company Girls At Play, LLC offers white water kayaking tours , trips and classes for women.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Kayaking Tips on Basic Stroke Technique
Christmas Shopping at Camillus Kayak Shop
50 kayaks delivered this morning! Thank-you to the strong, fit and selfless unloaders who got them off the truck and up the stairs at the shop; some great new colors here! We deliver Christmas Eve!S
By Anna Levesque
As the paddling season approaches many of you are probably hitting the pool to practice some rolls and get back in the groove before venturing out on the chillier rivers. Pool sessions are a great opportunity to practice your basic strokes. Even though it seems more fun to practice rolls and flatwater moves, basic strokes are the foundation of your paddling technique and your confidence building.
It's important to practice draw strokes, sweep strokes, stern draws, the forward and the back stroke in flatwater where it's peaceful and comfortable. That way you can focus your attention on developing powerful, efficient strokes that will put you exactly where you need to be in the rapids or give you a really good workout in flatwater.
Here are three quick tips to improving your basic stroke technique:
1. Sit up straight. If you feel like you're sliding down in your seat put each hand on either side of your boat behind your hips, press down with your hands and lift your butt out of the seat. Tilt the bottom of your sit bones back so that you feel like you're sitting up nice and straight and sit back down. This little adjustment is great for re-aligning your posture in your kayak after an hour or so of paddling. Sitting up straight will give you more reach with your forward stroke and more power.
2. Rotate from the core. Those of you who have taken instruction from me have heard this a million times! Torso rotation is the most important component of strong, efficient strokes. If you use your torso instead of your arms as your main source of power your strokes will feel effortless. To start cultivating torso rotation sit in your boat or on the floor in the same position that you would be in your kayak. Place your hands on your belly button and visualize a line going up your body from your belly button. Imagine that your head is fused to that line and can't move independently. From here rotate to the right starting from your belly button and then to the left. This only works if you concentrate on moving from your belly button. This quick exercise will help you feel what strong torso rotation feels like and where it starts.
3. Watch your shaft angle. When you're paddling forward your shaft angle should be almost vertical so that your blades are traveling right alongside your boat creating efficient forward momentum. The verticality also allows you to reach forward to get more length and purchase on the water. For turning strokes such as the stern draw and sweep your shaft angle should be horizontal and close to parallel with the water. Being mindful of your shaft angle can make a big difference in stroke performance and efficiency.
About the Author
Anna Levesque was the 2001 Freestyle Kayaking World Championship Bronze Medalist and is a motivational keynote speaker . Her company Girls At Play, LLC offers white water kayaking tours , trips and classes for women.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Kayaking For Women
By Marc Fredmen
Kayaking is a great outdoor activity and is pursued eagerly by people of all ages. However, among all the surface water sports, kayaking has arguably the maximum women followers. This is mainly because it is not a hardcore power activity and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace and is relatively less strenuous. There are several activities, locations and camps dedicated exclusively for women kayakers that are receiving tremendous response.
Why Women Like Kayaking?
Kayaking is a great combination of fun, adventure and leisure. Hence, this is precisely what attracts women to kayaking so much. Flatwater kayaking allows traversing the secret waterways and exploring the beautiful wilderness that spans along these meandering routes. Women enjoy this form of leisure activities than the adrenalin rush of the fast rapids of whitewater kayaking. Also, flatwater kayaks are usually quite stable and thus easy to navigate. Also, instead of working out in a gym or a treadmill, kayaking is a fun way to stay in shape.
Tips for Women Kayakers
Although, there is not much difference between men and women kayakers, there are a few tips that can help women kayakers to greatly improve their performance and ensure safety. Some of the important tips are as follows:
1. Although there is no doubt that women can be equally skilled kayakers as men, it is always advisable to venture out with a companion rather than kayaking alone. This becomes even more crucial with respect to whitewater kayaking. Whitewater kayaking involves negotiating huge rapids, gushing waters and strong currents. These are difficult conditions and it is always good for a woman kayaker to have a companion around during emergencies.
2. Also, it is vital that women kayakers choose kayaking gear with great care. Women have a naturally smaller built and can have difficulties in fitting snugly in the cockpit. In such cases, it is recommended to use hip wedge pads which give great support and help women in fitting properly in the cockpit.
3. Also, it is important for women to use drysuits that would protect tem from not just the water but also from other any external elements.
4. Women who intend to go alone must remember that they must select a kayak that is lighter so that they can easily carry it to the water by themselves. In such circumstances, an inflatable kayak can be a great option.
5. Also, there are special gloves made for women paddlers as their hands are smaller. Thus, women paddlers must opt for these gloves in order to get a firm grip on the paddle.
Kayaking Camps for Women
Considering the increasing popularity of kayaking among women, there are exclusive training camps and workshops for women kayakers. These camps provide a great opportunity for women paddlers to interact with like-minded women and exchange tips on kayaking techniques, equipments and other technical details.
In fact, many kayaking schools and organizations have started exclusive batches for women for specific age groups with batches even for women above 50 years of age. Many of these camps also have lady instructors to teach every minute aspect of kayaking.
With so many initiatives and programs for women kayakers, it is not surprising that women kayakers are seriously posing a challenge to their male counterparts.
About the Author
Marc Fredmen, an expert in kayaking and a writer, provides great guidance for kayaking enthusiasts. Novice paddlers can learn few basic instructions on sea kayaking here.
Kayaking is a great outdoor activity and is pursued eagerly by people of all ages. However, among all the surface water sports, kayaking has arguably the maximum women followers. This is mainly because it is not a hardcore power activity and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace and is relatively less strenuous. There are several activities, locations and camps dedicated exclusively for women kayakers that are receiving tremendous response.
Why Women Like Kayaking?
Kayaking is a great combination of fun, adventure and leisure. Hence, this is precisely what attracts women to kayaking so much. Flatwater kayaking allows traversing the secret waterways and exploring the beautiful wilderness that spans along these meandering routes. Women enjoy this form of leisure activities than the adrenalin rush of the fast rapids of whitewater kayaking. Also, flatwater kayaks are usually quite stable and thus easy to navigate. Also, instead of working out in a gym or a treadmill, kayaking is a fun way to stay in shape.
Tips for Women Kayakers
Although, there is not much difference between men and women kayakers, there are a few tips that can help women kayakers to greatly improve their performance and ensure safety. Some of the important tips are as follows:
1. Although there is no doubt that women can be equally skilled kayakers as men, it is always advisable to venture out with a companion rather than kayaking alone. This becomes even more crucial with respect to whitewater kayaking. Whitewater kayaking involves negotiating huge rapids, gushing waters and strong currents. These are difficult conditions and it is always good for a woman kayaker to have a companion around during emergencies.
2. Also, it is vital that women kayakers choose kayaking gear with great care. Women have a naturally smaller built and can have difficulties in fitting snugly in the cockpit. In such cases, it is recommended to use hip wedge pads which give great support and help women in fitting properly in the cockpit.
3. Also, it is important for women to use drysuits that would protect tem from not just the water but also from other any external elements.
4. Women who intend to go alone must remember that they must select a kayak that is lighter so that they can easily carry it to the water by themselves. In such circumstances, an inflatable kayak can be a great option.
5. Also, there are special gloves made for women paddlers as their hands are smaller. Thus, women paddlers must opt for these gloves in order to get a firm grip on the paddle.
Kayaking Camps for Women
Considering the increasing popularity of kayaking among women, there are exclusive training camps and workshops for women kayakers. These camps provide a great opportunity for women paddlers to interact with like-minded women and exchange tips on kayaking techniques, equipments and other technical details.
In fact, many kayaking schools and organizations have started exclusive batches for women for specific age groups with batches even for women above 50 years of age. Many of these camps also have lady instructors to teach every minute aspect of kayaking.
With so many initiatives and programs for women kayakers, it is not surprising that women kayakers are seriously posing a challenge to their male counterparts.
About the Author
Marc Fredmen, an expert in kayaking and a writer, provides great guidance for kayaking enthusiasts. Novice paddlers can learn few basic instructions on sea kayaking here.
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