Balancing Speed Kayak

Racing Kayaks have a more narrow profile than 'leisure' kayaks. I learned this the hard way, it is pretty hard to balance in still water...

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Travel & Events

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• 20090718
• balancingSpeedKayak

[stevewort]

There is a simple progression to learning to balance a sprint kayak.

#1 - 20 -30 minutes balance with NO paddle, next to a dock for support, No Seat, Knees as low as they can go. repeat until you can balance the boat without falling in.

#2 - add a paddle and do push backs

#3 - Loops with a paddle

#4 - Now go paddling.

Now continue paddling for 3-6 months, adding a seat, then bending knees, then increase seat height. htne a tippier boat, and 2-3 year later you will be racing ;)

[MrCatchlove]

You gain motional stability in these, the faster you go the more stable you are. Best thing to do is gently paddle forwards rather than sit and gain balance - also use 'wing' (race) paddles as they hold the water better so you can literally lean on them for support!