KAYAKING TECHNIQUE

Before setting off on a canoeing trip, every boatman should get acquainted with the basic rules of running a watercraft. Learning the rowing technique, water signs and the law of water will protect us from unpleasant surprises, that lurk in rivers and lakes. The basis for the kayak's movement on the waterways is to have a swimming card. A trip to the water depends on it. Universal swimming card, is available from 12 age, after passing the swimming exam, which they consist of: freestyle swimming 200 m in stagnant water or 400 m in running water, jumping into the water from a height 1 m and swim under water 5 m, in still water, the 10 m in running water. An innovation in this respect is the established Special Swimming Card, anyone can apply for, who finished 18 year of life, meeting the following conditions: swim in the water 1500 m, 15 m under water, make a jump start jump and dive 3 m. Holders of the above-mentioned card receive a SKP card, yellow cap with a black stripe and are allowed to swim in unguarded waters and are obliged to help drowning people. Having a swimming card is not enough for a canoeist. We need to know the boarding rules, getting off, obtaining a kayak, like many other indispensable rules, which make it easier for us to maneuver, they ensure safety and allow for hiking along the water routes.

Wearing the canoe - we carry the canoe to the water (no luggage), taking it by the bow and stern. If we do it without a crew (alone), place the canoe on the shore perpendicular to the water and slide it downwards - lifting the stern upwards, and then lightly put it on the water. We do the same when we have a cart - we enter the water, unfasten the straps holding the canoe and pull out the trolley. Then attach the canoe to the shore with a mooring line, so that the beak points upstream, and on still water against the wind.

Getting in - after loading the kayak, we place one bent leg on the ribbing of the floor, while holding the breakwater and the oar in position, then we get on, putting on the other leg. In case the bottom is unpleasant, dirty, insert one leg after washing, the other one is washed and dried after taking the place.

In a two-person kayak, the crew takes the first place, the helmsman is holding the canoe, only then gets on. When disembarking, the order is reversed, i.e. the helmsman is the first to leave the canoe, holding it down, then the crew. When landing on the shore (always upstream) avoid damaging the kayak, what can cause a daring finish, “pushing through sand or stones. Better to check the depth, get off in deeper water and lead the kayak or, having relieved the load, carry it to the shore.

Seating - A comfortable seat is a prerequisite for good rowing. It is forbidden to sit down, on deck with legs inside or outside of the kayak. By sitting correctly (We spend several hours in this position on the water) we mean keeping hip height at the level of the breakwater, legs slightly bent at the knee, open, they touch the sideboards, and the feet rested on the rudder bar or a frame allow the canoe to remain stable, straight line guidance and increase the power of the oar pull.

Paddle - hold it with both hands and before making the first strokes, lift it up, leaning on the head. We set our hands like this, that the paddle with the forearm makes a right angle. Pull the paddle as low as possible (do not hit the sides), by sweeping the water with the tip of an oar at a depth 3/4 pen surface, while pushing the other arm out until it is straight. The arms work rhythmically, when one pushes the oar along the side of the kayak, the other, bent, runs parallel to the direction, in which we are sailing. The strength of the strokes of both hands must be the same, which will ensure that the direction of the canoe's advancement is maintained. The torso is slightly tilted while rowing, and opening the knees makes it easier to breathe, reducing pressure on the diaphragm. The repulsive hand should be at eye level. Do not squeeze the oar too tightly, because hands get tired quickly this way. The paddle strokes must be long, equal, energetic and silent. Short, with strong and quick strokes we overcome a strong current or some obstacle. If we have folding oars, it is desirable to twist them at an angle of 90 °, so that the pen cuts the air when not in water, easily overcoming its resistance. While swimming on twisted oars, we rotate with a hand, so that the pen plunging into the water is perpendicular to the water.