Seamanship Articles
Sea Kayak Skills
Sea kayak skills covers just about everything you need to know about kayaking, (in particular sea kayaking) and how to do it. With more skills and knowledge sea kayaking becomes easier, more fun and safer.
These articles we share are the result of many years experience as a sea instructor and guide. When using other sources we are always pleased to acknowledge their contribution.
- Written by Ian Ribbons Super User
- Category: Sea Kayak Skills
Types of kayak hull shapes and
why they matter
A kayak’s performance is ultimately determined by the shape of its bottom and how these curves (or “lines,” in nautical terms) interact with the water to influence characteristics like glide, stability and manoeuvrability. This article describes why kayak hull types are integral to performance and investigates the attributes of different kayak hull shapes you’ll find on recreational and touring kayaks.
The bulk of this article appeared in Paddler Magazine as s part of that publication’s “Buyer Guide".
Paddler Magazine is published by Rapid Media of Palmer Rapids, Canada.
Click here to read more about kayak design... Kayak Hull Shape Design
- Details
- Written by Ian Ribbons Super User
- Category: Sea Kayak Skills
Skeg Vs Rudder: The Great Sea Kayak Debate
This article is from Paddler Magazine and I am grateful for their permission to use it.
For avid kayakers, few debates are as popular—or as polarizing—as the controversy over skeg versus rudder. Which system is easier to use, more effective, more efficient, more reliable—in a word, which is better, a kayak skeg or rudder?
Like all great debates, however, there really is no right or wrong answer. Both rudders and skegs have their merits and their limitations. Kayak design, paddling style and wind and water conditions all play a role in which system will perform the best. Ultimately, paddlers have to make their own decisions based on need and personal preference.
Novice kayakers often have questions like, “Do you need a skeg on a kayak?” or “What is the purpose of a rudder on a kayak?” If you are new to kayaking and wondering what the difference is between a skeg and a rudder—or how each affects a kayak’s handling and performance—read on. We’ll look at the purpose of skegs and rudders, how they work, and the pros and cons of each system.
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- Written by Ian Ribbons Super User
- Category: Sea Kayak Skills
How to keep a kayak tracking straight.
To many paddlers this is one of the most difficult things to do. Somehow the kayak seems to have a mind of its own as it meanders in all directions over the sea. Then suddenly deciding to turn at right angles to your intended course. Very frustrating as you madly try to correct by paddling furiously on one side, only to discover it wants to turn more. At about this time the frustrated paddler is more likely to get out and attempt to walk home !! There are obviously a number of reasons this happens.
- Details
- Written by Ian Ribbons Super User
- Category: Sea Kayak Skills
Introduction to sea kayaking
Becoming an advanced level paddler with exceptional kayaking skills can be a lifelong expedition, but every journey starts with the simple step of getting started. For a beginner to kayaking the sea or just about any water, can seem a bit scary at first. Developing self confidence in real paddling conditions is the key to your safety and to enjoying your sea kayaking. A qualified instructor can employ a range of painless and progressive instructional methods to make the learning process easier and more fun. The techniques are actually quite simple. Developing the confidence to stay in the kayak, relax and use those skills when needed can be an awesome journey. With effective instruction there is no sea kayaking skill too advanced for the beginner. In learning the “fundamentals" of paddling will build a good foundation for further skills development. .
The same techniques that apply in calm water also apply in advanced sea conditions (only better done with more practice and experience). Instead of teaching beginners to paddle like beginners, I prefer to instruct in how to start using and developing good techniques. That is why I prefer to call it "fundamental skills" rather than "beginner skills" In the articles that follow we’ll cover the absolute fundamentals: how to get in and out of your kayak, how to move it through the water with a minimum of effort and what to do if you fall over.
The following is a starting point, not the end of the journey. As with any skill, proficiency takes practice and experience. Taking a lesson from a qualified instructor can certainly help. However, there is no substitute for time spent on the water in a kayak.