Kayak
Paddling Tips
by Christine Showler
n Avoid higher seat backs; they may look comfortable, but can actu- ally impede smooth torso rotation and contribute to lower back pain.
n Maintain good posture in the kayak to allow for greater rotation of the torso and minimize lower back strain. Try to paddle leaning slightly forward, about fi ve degrees.
n Keep a low profi le to each paddle stroke to minimize wind defl ection and help keep arms and shoulders aligned. Try to have the top paddling hand reach its highest point at eye level.
n It’s common for kayakers to de- velop some numbness in their feet over the course of an outing. Here are a few tricks to help eliminate the problem:
● Use an infl atable or foam cushion to hold thighs in a braced position to help alleviate pressure points.
● Ensure foot braces are cor- rectly positioned on the balls of the feet.
● Install heel pads to relieve stress and keep feet warm in cold water conditions.
● Stretch the legs and wiggle toes often while paddling.
Family Kayak
Adventure Center
by Linda Sechrist
Humphrey’s guided fl atwater kayaking tours. Leading such tours in the protected waters of Mission Bay, San Diego Bay, local
S
lakes and water reservoirs, is the niche Humphrey carved out for herself in 2002 when she turned her 15-year hobby into a business and opened the Family Kayak Adventure Center. A certifi ed kayak instructor through the American Canoe Associa- tion, Humphrey says, “When I fi rst opened the business, kayaking wasn’t much of a family sport. My goal was to interest children and active older adults in learning how to paddle in a safe environment, because it’s such a wonderful way to enjoy nature from a different vantage point.” Excited about offering families a new way to play outside, Humphrey purchased tandem kayaks, so she could pair youths and seniors, as well as children of different ages. “It’s a splendid way for families to learn team- work and share a sport where they all move along at the same speed,” she says. Humphrey recommends a Mission Bay paddle for new, more timid paddlers,
who get to enjoy pelicans and sea lions that hang around the bait barge, playing or lying on the dock. “The great blue herons are in their nests now through Septem- ber, and we get to see the babies sticking their heads out of the nests,” advises Humphrey, who points out that more adventuresome paddlers often choose the San Diego Bay kayak tours. “San Diego is a big bay,” she says. Family Kayak Adventure Center maintains approximately 30 kayaks of vari- ous styles. Recreational kayaks, which are stable and have big, open cockpits, are used for nature tours. “Paddlers don’t have to worry about tipping over,” explains Humphrey, who offers a beginner’s pre-launch lesson on land to talk about safety and demonstrate forward/reverse paddling and turning strokes. Humphrey leads, to keep the front of the group slowed down, while her assistant at the rear keeps them moving along. “The group stays together, and the slowest boat sets the pace,” she notes. “We take frequent breaks to talk about the sights we see along the way.” Families sometimes start out feeling a
little worried or intimidated, but anxieties quickly disappear. “After a couple of hours on the water, they are a little tired from doing something different, but they are so excited, and the kids can’t wait to tell their friends at school,” advises Humphrey. “The excitement of the kids is what makes my work so enjoyable and worthwhile.”
Join Family Kayak Adventure Center for a Father’s Day Brunch Paddle or a Dinner Paddle on June 20 at Lake Hodges. Paddle up to the dam and stop at Hernandez Hideaway for lunch. Family Kayak Adven- ture Center, 619-282-3520 or visit Fami-
lyKayak.com. Email Marie@FamilyKayak.
com. See ad on this page.
Safe, Fun, Affordable
No prior swimming or kayaking
experience required!
Call today to reserve your guided tour:
619-282-3520
info@FamilyKayak.com /
www.FamilyKayak.com
SUMMER
Kayak San Diego
PROMOTION
natural awakenings
Purchase 1
Adult Ticket
Get 1 FREE
Child Ticket
2-14 years of age sharing kayak with adult
Offer Expires June 30, 2010 - Coupon Code NA610
June 2010
29
ometimes, from the 2-year-olds, Marie Humphrey hears a giggle. Always, from the active, older adults, she hears lots of “Wows!” Regardless of their age or their response, the beauty of Mother Nature affects everyone during
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