T'ai Chi For #Kayaking And #Canoes Racing

By Jason Murphy

Kayaking and canoes involve paddling and water. T'ai Chi, a style of martial arts, is practiced on land with neither water nor boats. The two seem unrelated but did you know that T'ai Chi benefits water sports players like enthusiasts of kayaking and canoes racing? Paddling requires moving gracefully, strongly, and balanced on rough waters. It also puts much strain on the arms and the back, if done incorrectly. T'ai Chi improves and enhances paddling skills because the exercise and the sport follow the same principles.

Karen Knight and Betsey Forster, experts in kayaking and canoes racing, admit to doing T'ai Chi regularly. According to them, T'ai Chi provides cross-training. They claim that kayaking and T'ai Chi reinforce the skills and principles of each other which make practice of both relevant for improvement. They add that doing complementary exercises boosts the skills and energy levels of paddlers. The two share kayaking principles and the complementary T'ai Chi practices.

In any water sport, it is necessary to keep your body centered, quiet, and stable. These traits are reflected in your boat and spell the difference between staying on the boat or getting thrown off it. How you position your body and your posture play significant roles in kayaking and canoes racing. Sit straight and spread your weight equally between your buttocks to create a stable pelvic base. This position liberates your upper body and allows your lower body greater control over the boat. It is important to align your nose, navel, and tailbone to create a single unit. Making your body move and paddle as a unit minimize strain and risks of injuries. Another principle, called the paddler's box, incorporates power in paddling strokes. This is achieved by aligning hands and arms front of your shoulder plane. This ensures that your arms and shoulders are moving as a unit no matter how you paddle. Stable paddling is also a key factor in kayak racing. Most regard stable paddling as an accurate measure of the canoeists' skills. It is difficult to paddle quietly and keep the boat from bobbing but a good canoeist can do it. Avoiding pitching and bobbing the boat are done by keeping the boat stable and the paddling movement slow and accurate. Every move must be calculated because unnecessary motions can topple the boat over in rough current.

Stability, balance, and power are the main principles of kayaking. These are the very aspects T'ai Chi practices take care of. The T'ai Chi walk is recommended before launching and can help racers center and quiet their bodies in the water. It is done by elongating the spine much like the aligning of the nose, navel, and tailbone in kayaking and canoes racing, only this time, exercise is done standing up. The walk helps racers focus on their bodies and make them aware of their movements to reduce inefficiency. The steps are taken slowly with deliberate movements from the arms like paddling. The Hold The Ball movement aids in maintaining racers' paddler's box. In this exercise, the waist, arms, and torso do the work enabling them to get used to acting as unit before racing. Waist rotation is another exercise to improve efficiency of movement. The waists and the hips are given added power and stability since paddling action is rooted in the lower body. With these exercises, the canoeists' bodies are accustomed to being stable, maintaining balance, and efficient use of power.

Knight and Forster recommend practicing T'ai Chi regularly for those who are thinking of taking kayaking and canoes racing as a sport. This form of cross training also helps enthusiasts to become better riders and fluid paddlers. Regular training and T'ai Chi sessions keep canoeists ready and fit for succeeding kayaking and canoes racing events.

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#Kayaking the Grand River... No TV Eskimo Rolls Please!

by Garth Pottruff

A kayak lesson for "Eskimo rolls" is the last thing required to enjoy the Grand River. If a person did a roll when kayaking the Grand River, they would knock their "block" off on the shallow bottom. It is much easier when tipped to push on the sides and slide out. "Imagined-required-skills" is the greatest impediment to enjoying the leisure activity of kayaking the Grand River.

The biggest fear when kayaking the Grand River is tipping over and not getting out. Many have this horrible image of hanging upside down, stuck forever. Truth is, kayaks are stable and easy to exit. In fact recreational kayaks are easier to paddle and more stable then most canoes.

Dealing with the media image is the biggest problem. If a person had never experienced a bike and saw BMX bikes performing, they would believe they could not ride a bike; a ridiculous conclusion. The same mindset happens with kayaking. What the media portrays versus what the sport is; can create nightmares in the head. Nightmares in the head stop many people from experiencing everything.

If tipping and being trapped is a fear, the best medicine is to tip and get out with a spotter. People are amazed at how easy the exit technique is... they are even more amazed at how hard it is to tip. As tippers drain the water out, so fear leaves the mind.

For beginners, kayak lessons on the Grand River will insure a positive experience worth the investment. People tip on a river because they can't steer. Being unable to steer makes the novice kayaker vulnerable to everything that can catch and snag. People who can't steer, end up where they don't want to be. The bottom of a river is not always a breath taking view. The basics of river kayaking are simple... learn to steer a kayak, enjoy a beautiful river.

But it needs to be pointed out that for some, using a kayak is out of the question. People that are big in size should stay away from kayaks that are small in space. No one can slide out when totally jammed in. This is a valid danger and rafting on the Grand River would be a safer option for them.

The Top Places in America to Go #Kayaking

By Connor R Sullivan

Kayaking has been around for a very long time but has really taken off recreationally in the past twenty years or so. The original kayaks were extremely easy to tip and scared a lot of people into thinking that they can not be used for people other than those trained specifically in kayaking. Now, there are many kinds of kayaks available and some of them are so easy to use, there is really no training required to use one, other than proper paddling techniques. The fun thing about kayaks is you can take them out on all types of water whether it is the ocean, a river or a lake. Many places near these types of water have kayak rentals so you don't have to own your own kayak, kayak anchors or kayak leashes to try it. This article will explore the best places in the country to go kayaking.

Alaska is a spectacular state with unlimited beauty surrounding it making it one of the best spots to go kayaking. There are two notable spots in Alaska to go. The first one is called Glacier Bay and most of the kayaks there to rent are sea touring kayaks that are difficult to tip and are quite stable. In fact many people kayaking in Glacier Bay have never done it before and to be a part of that beauty on the water is amazing. The other place is Prince William Sound which is the perfect spot for the nature lover. It has one of the best ecosystems that has many types of wildlife and diverse habitats. This sound is enclosed by the mountains making it very calm and peaceful as well.

Another great state to kayak is Michigan with two specific locations. The first is Pictured Rocks lakeshore and offers spectacular sandstone cliffs along the rugged shoreline and nice white sand beaches to stop at too for more exploring on land. The second is Isle Royale and is the largest island on Lake Superior making it a great place to kayak. There are many little islands around this island making it fun to explore and many moose and wolf sightings are common.

Another great place for kayaking is in the state of Washington. The San Juan Islands allow the kayaker to be one with nature and to see some amazing marine life up close. There are a few outfitters that offer expeditions through this area that will offered great tours that incorporate whale watching, bird watching and kayak sailing.

The final place to go kayaking would be in some southern states like North Carolina or Florida. North Carolina has the Outer banks area that allows you to go around the many islands and different wildlife refuges that are sprinkled throughout that area as well as a national seashore and maritime forest too. In Florida, the Thousand islands in Cocoa Beach are a nice warm weather way to kayak exploring the islands and the Banana River lagoon that were all created when an inlet was formed.

Connor R. Sullivan has recently found several items for a camping trip by searching for the term kayak anchors on the internet. He also ordered kayak leashes on the internet to hold his fishing poles.

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End of the Season Banquet

Our annual end of the season banquet will be held on Sunday, November 8th at the Elk's Club in Camillus. This is open to all club members and their guests. The fun will start at 1:00 pm. The Elk's Club will be providing a buffet, the cost of which is $10.00 per person. Reservations should be made before Monday, November 2nd, so be sure to get your reservations in ASAP.

Make check payable to CNY Kayakers & drop off at Camillus Kayak or mail to:

CNY Kayakers
4930 Kasson Rd
Syracuse, 13215

Appetizers and desserts are not included in the price of the buffet, so we are asking for volunteers to bring an appetizer or dessert. We will also be having a couple of raffles, so be sure to come and join the fun.

More Info

Inflatable #Kayak Review - The Best Cheap Kayaks

by Jeremy Biberdorf

The fastest growing trend in the kayaking industry is clearly the use of inflatable kayaks. Today's technology makes these inflatable crafts more rugged and maneuverable, while remaining lightweight and portable. Even seasoned kayakers are gradually making the switch to inflatable kayaks.

Inflatable Kayaks are Extremely Portable

If you have ever owned a hard-shell kayak, you realize how difficult it can be to transport your kayak. You have little alternative to strapping your kayak to the roof of your vehicle. Then you have to drive to a road accessible ocean, lake or river. Next you have to awkwardly carry your hard-shell kayak to the water. Hopefully the water isn't too far from where you had to park your vehicle.

With an inflatable kayak, you simply fold the deflated kayak into a backpack and you can go anywhere. Most inflatable kayaks are less than forty pounds in weight and some are even less than thirty pounds. They also fold up very compact once deflated. Transporting them in the back of your car is no problem at all. Then think of all the mountain trails you can take your inflatable kayak to. You could easily paddle on remote lakes or rivers. Or how about taking your kayak on vacation with you? Bring it in your luggage on the plane and you could be kayaking almost anywhere in the world. That would be pretty difficult to do with a hard-shell kayak. You could take an inflatable kayak on a city bus or bicycle to the water. During off season, the kayak would take up minimal storage space.

Inflatable Kayaks are Tough and Durable

When most people think of an inflatable kayak, they picture a cheaply made plastic boat for kids. They picture a kayak that would burst from hitting the smallest rock or branch. If you've owned one of the older, cheaper style inflatable boats, you know you also have to invest in repair patches or a roll of duct tape.

New high quality inflatable kayaks are changing people's impressions of inflatable boats. New inflatable crafts are made from puncture and abrasion resistant rubber, often reinforced with polyester fabric. This is much stronger than the PVC material used for most cheap inflatable boats. Under normal circumstances it is quite unlikely that you would puncture these new rubber materials. Even if you did, most inflatable kayaks have at least three separate air chambers.

Inflatable Kayaks are Easy to Use

What is easier than carrying your kayak right to the water's edge and inflating it with a foot pump within five to ten minutes? Most people have pumped up an air mattress at least once as a child. Then after it is filled to the appropriate air pressure, set your inflatable kayak in the water and get in like any other kayak. You can straddle the kayak and then sit down. Or you can place your paddle across the kayak to brace yourself as you get in.

Kayaks are very stable, but with inflatable kayaks it can be much easier to get back in if you fall out. You simply grab the cockpit of the kayak and pull yourself up like you're getting out of a swimming pool. This makes an inflatable kayak very convenient for snorkeling or swimming. Before getting back in, it is easy to dump out any water that gets aboard. Some inflatable boats are even self bailing.

Another misconception about inflatable kayaks is that they have very poor maneuverability. People think you would have very little control in an inflatable kayak. This isn't the case with newer inflatable kayaks though. Many of these inflatable boats have optional foot controlled rudders to make for easy turning without missing a stroke. Some of these optional rudders just help the kayak track straight. A lot of inflatable kayaks have maneuverability comparable to hard-shell boats.

Where Can I Use an Inflatable Kayak?

Inflatable kayaks are made in a variety of styles to accommodate almost any conditions. For the casual kayaker, there are lower priced models best suited for flat-water lakes and rivers. There are more expensive models designed for moderate or advanced whitewater. Many models are even suitable for surfing. Many people like to use their inflatable kayak for fishing or hunting. You can get to more remote locations or fish directly from your kayak. Inflatable boats are also great for shallow water that would be too difficult for a hard-shell boat to manage.

Conclusion

For either a beginner or an advanced kayaker, inflatable kayaks are becoming a popular choice. They are extremely versatile and much cheaper than a hard-shell kayak. For less than half the price, you would be able to take your kayak to a variety of places that you never thought possible. While you probably wouldn't be able to perform any barrel rolls, you can still have a lot of fun with an inflatable kayak. Once you try an inflatable kayak, you'll wonder why you ever used a hard-shell.

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Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com/Article/Inflatable-Kayak-Review---The-Best-Cheap-Kayaks/99503

Lewey Lake Sept 18-20, 2015

Ten campers arrived on Thursday: Walt, Bob, Eric, Kim, Deb, Christine, Walt, Di, Nancy, Jim and Mickey. Bob and Eric paddled Lewey Lake, others set up and chatted or relaxed. In the evening a few of us shared some traditional cold weather vittles: tomato soup with toasted ham and cheese. Well, it is usually COLD at Lewey with nighttime temps in the 30s. This year we were clothed in T-shirts with temps in the mid 70s. Soup and sandwiches were yummy in any case, along with some other good food. Read More Lewey Lake

#Canoeing and also #Kayaking - The Necessities

by Rhea Sanders

While summer approaches, most of us typically search for activities to undertake out on the water. Two of probably the most well-liked summer time activities are canoeing and kayaking, mainly due to the fact they are safe and effortlessly carried out by anybody of any age, skill level, or capacity. These water-based activities tend to be extremely relaxing and supply excellent opportunities for fun within the sunshine. But if you've never ever set sail for the waters ahead of, you might not be aware of exactly where to begin to program your canoeing and kayaking journey. The following is some helpful assistance to help you sort out the details and get on the water!

There's basically little or maybe zero distinction among canoeing and kayaking. Both supply a relaxing ride around the lake or streams and each tend to be physically undemanding. The very best method to experiencing and enjoying the excitement of canoeing and kayaking would be to scout out well guided tours. Unless you intend to pay a visit to the river a number of times, there's no must purchase your own canoeing and kayaking equipment. This may accumulate very a big bill, because canoes usually run $800 or higher, and that's not including various other equipment required including paddles and clothing. It is possible to appear for canoeing and kayaking excursions domestically or perhaps in other parts of the country, based on your preference to take a trip. Below can be a list of well-liked locations inside the America for canoeing and kayaking.

1. Medford, Oregon - This is home to Crater Lake National Park as well as the Rogue River, which is known to generally be home to a number of the ideal outdoor activities within the United States. The river is Class II-IV rapids, which need little or absolutely no encounter to take pleasure in canoeing and kayaking.

2. Haines, Alaska - This is an perfect place for ocean kayaking surrounding Glacier Bay National Park. Here, you have the opportunity to spot bears, manatee, and other arctic wildlife alongside Alaska's banks. No encounter is required to participate in the guided tours.

3. Miami - Dade County, Florida - An excellent place to expertise fun in the sun's rays through canoeing and kayaking, even though having the chance to snorkel or scuba dive. Coral Gables offers a chance to explore mysterious sea caves and examine underwater aquatic life. Numerous tour organizations are within the region with deals beginning as low as $40 for every person, $30 each child.

4. San Diego, California - Discover the La Jolla Sea Caves to get a peek at a true marine paradise. Catch views of sea lions, whales, and at times dolphins. No knowledge is required and standard guided tours are two hours long.

Now that you simply have got some suggestions of exactly where to travel, you might be wondering things to bring in your canoeing and kayaking adventure. Make sure to pack quick-drying apparel, like synthetic shorts, tops, as well as jackets. Even kayaking within the summer season can lead to unanticipated emergencies, and you'll want to have water-resistant clothes obtainable. Make sure to take sunglasses, hats, along with sunscreen, since the sun is a lot stronger when reflecting off the water. Pack a couple water bottles and little snack foods in the event you or perhaps a member of your family require a fast power enhance, and also always bring along a first aid kit filled with instant cold packs, band-aids, gauze, and other tiny items in the event that an emergency arises.

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