whistle, sunscreen and a snack bar. A
paddling PFD should have large armholes
to permit a complete range of motion
for your arms and shoulders. Remember,
you will be sitting in a cockpit, and
a traditional water ski vest or motor
boating PFD will likely be too long to fit
properly. It is best to buy a PFD designed
specifically for paddling.
Paddle Jacket: This basic item of
paddling clothing is great on cool or
windy days or when the water is cool.
It has seals at the wrist, neck and waist
to reduce water infiltration. With some
added insulating layers, it can be used
in spring and fall conditions. For cold
water/cold weather paddling a dry top is
essential for safe and enjoyable paddling.
Helmets: Plastic with foam padding,
GETTING STARTED—GO BACK Kayaks: A few years ago kayak design a skid lid or brain bucket is a great idea
TO SCHOOL was truly revolutionized. Long (12-14 when you might be upside down in the
Kayaking does involve very intimate foot/3.6-4.2 metre) kayaks with round water and are likely to encounter the
interaction with powerful, dynamic curving hulls have been superseded rocky bottom with your head. Buy and
whitewater. There are risks inherent in by short (six to eight foot/1.8-2.4 wear a helmet.
paddling whitewater and in venturing metre) kayaks with flat bottoms, square Throwbags: A throwbag is a bag of
into remote wilderness settings. Learn edges and squashed bows and sterns. rope you can keep close at hand for
about whitewater and the essential Essentially, designers gave kayaks many emergencies. To rescue a paddler in need
paddling and river safety skills from of the features of surfboards for planing of help, throw the bag of rope, holding
professionals. Luckily, there are many or surfing on standing waves. The shorter onto your end of the rope, and assist
opportunities for instruction in and length allows kayakers to have much them to shore. You will have to learn
around Ottawa. more fun in large and small river features how to properly use a throw bag so that
as they can surf, spin, submerge the ends you don’t end up in the water as well, so
WILL I BE ABLE TO DO IT? and do all sorts of neat tricks. The new practice the technique before you paddle
AM I STRONG ENOUGH? boat designs are also easier to paddle rapids.
These are the most frequently asked and make learning easier. Construction Odds and Ends: A small dry box or
questions from people who are thinking is almost exclusively roto-molded plastic dry bag is a great idea for carrying extra
about learning to whitewater kayak. that is very strong and durable. With clothes and a first aid kit. Think like a boy
Proper technique and finesse are much proper care and storage, kayaks will last scout; be prepared. It’s better to bring
more important than strength. The for decades. water than to risk drinking the river water,
strongest person in the world will not roll Paddles: Very few kayak paddles so think about a water bottle.
their kayak upright after tipping without are made from wood these days. More
applying the proper technique. durable and low maintenance materials LEARN THE BASICS
have become the norm. Aluminum/ This section is just going to scratch
GEARING UP—WHAT TO BUY fibreglass combinations are in the the surface of introductory kayaking, to
The best place to learn about what lower price bracket. Paddles made of explain what to expect when you first
gear to purchase is at a paddling school combinations of carbon fibre and/or get into the sport. Please take lessons,
or from a whitewater kayak dealer. During graphite, and sometimes plastic, fill the buy an instructional book and/or video
instruction you will have a great oppor- lightweight, higher performance bracket. and paddle with experienced kayakers for
tunity to try different equipment before Spray Skirt: A neoprene cockpit cover more complete instruction and guidance.
you buy. Your instructors will be a good that you wear around your waist, it wraps Never paddle whitewater alone,
source of advice about gear selection around your kayak cockpit to keep water especially if you are a beginner! Winter is
based on your weight, body type, the type out. These skirts release easily when you the season for pool sessions to learn the
of paddling you plan to do and where you want to exit your kayak. basics and work on your roll. With the
plan to paddle. Good paddling stores have Personal Flotation Device (PFD): warm weather here, get out on the rivers
paddlers on staff and many retailers have If you do end up out of your kayak you and lakes to learn.
regular demo sessions where you can try want to be able to swim to safety, and Entry and Exit: Brace one end of
out different boats. There is a lot of good the PFD helps you get there. It should your paddle across your kayak deck just
used equipment available as well. have pockets for a few essentials: a behind the cockpit. The other end of the
32 OTTAWA magazine summer/fall 2009 www.ottawaoutdoors.ca
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