Difficulty Tracking Straight in Kayak

On 30-Aug-2004, No Spam <nospam DeleteThis @nospam.com> wrote:

 > I had a very difficult time keeping the kayak tracking straight. It
 > wanted to turn left.
 >
 > Just wondering if this is normal or due to bad technique on my part.

Both. WW kayaks are not made to track and they are basically unstable
longitudinally. Once they start to turn, they want to continue. You
have to learn to correct for tracking errors before they start (which
sounds impossible, but once you get the hang of it, you'll know what I
mean).

 > I am thinking that next time I will rent a longer open kayak that will
 > hopefully track better.

Better you should learn to handle a regular WW kayak in WW than getting
into a kayak that will be more difficult to handle when conditions
get more serious. Open has nothing to do with your problems.

Mike<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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Stan,

This is a very common problem. Most beginning whitewater kayakers
experience this. In many ways it is like learning to ride a bicycle.
The beginning rider has not learned to make the proper minor
corrections and wobbles down the road. At some point, your body gets
it and you begin to make minor corrections well before you get out of
control. What you need is more "seat time." As you spend time in the
seat, you will steadily get more control. Instruction would certainly
speed your learning curve.

Here are a couple of tips:

1) Paddle in front - Put the paddle in by your toes and take it out at
your hips.

2) Keep the paddle relatively close to the boat and vertical. Wide
strokes are called "sweep Strokes" and are used for correction and
turning.

3) Try to anticipate the turning and correct it as soon as you feel
it. correct it with a wider stroke on the side you are turnig towards
(i.e. - If you are spinning left, take a wider stroke on the left).
Note a harder (more energetic) or multiple strokes on that side will
also work.

4) I would take your WW boat on flat water first. That will allow you
to eliminate the current factor and concentrate on control.

Good luck to you. If you really want to paddle whitewater, stick with
the whitewater boat. It does have a bit of a learning curve but you
will get it eventually.

Have fun!

Randy
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Great tips - thanks!

I took the Scupper out in the harbor last night and was all over the place
(partly because of the inconsistent breeze). Are there any good sites on
basic paddling techniques? I'll do a search, but thought you guys might be
able to recommend some.


"Randy Hodges" <randallh RemoveThis @sonic.net> wrote in message
news:3b41c027.0408302017.297269b4@posting.google.com...
 > Stan,
 >
 > This is a very common problem. Most beginning whitewater kayakers
 > experience this. In many ways it is like learning to ride a bicycle.
 > The beginning rider has not learned to make the proper minor
 > corrections and wobbles down the road. At some point, your body gets
 > it and you begin to make minor corrections well before you get out of
 > control. What you need is more "seat time." As you spend time in the
 > seat, you will steadily get more control. Instruction would certainly
 > speed your learning curve.
 >
 > Here are a couple of tips:
 >
 > 1) Paddle in front - Put the paddle in by your toes and take it out at
 > your hips.
 >
 > 2) Keep the paddle relatively close to the boat and vertical. Wide
 > strokes are called "sweep Strokes" and are used for correction and
 > turning.
 >
 > 3) Try to anticipate the turning and correct it as soon as you feel
 > it. correct it with a wider stroke on the side you are turnig towards
 > (i.e. - If you are spinning left, take a wider stroke on the left).
 > Note a harder (more energetic) or multiple strokes on that side will
 > also work.
 >
 > 4) I would take your WW boat on flat water first. That will allow you
 > to eliminate the current factor and concentrate on control.
 >
 > Good luck to you. If you really want to paddle whitewater, stick with
 > the whitewater boat. It does have a bit of a learning curve but you
 > will get it eventually.
 >
 > Have fun!
 >
 > Randy<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Difficulty Tracking Straight in Kayak