Landmark lined up. PHOTO: RIC BURNLEY
THE RIGHT (FORWARD) STROKE
NAVIGATE
A small marine compass will keep a kayak angler on course. Mount the compass along the centerline of the boat where it is easily visible. To set a course, line the desired compass heading up with a landmark on shore. Use the compass in tandem with a GPS to maintain your direction despite the forces of wind and current. —RB
ESCAPE SUCKING MUD
When the tide goes out and you’re stuck in the mud, kneel in the kayak and push along with your foot. —RB
TRUCKIN’ TIE-DOWN
Someone snatch your nylon tie- down? No problem. Break out some rope and try the trucker’s hitch. Simply tie a loop knot on the main line, run the tag end back through the loop knot, cinch down, and finish off with a slip knot, which releases easily when you want it to but not at all when you don’t. —Brian Cope
The catch. PHOTOS: JEFF HERMAN
ILLUSTRATION: BRENDAN BAYARD
DEODORIZE
A kayak’s interior can be a stinky place. To de-funk the trunk, slosh a cup of 50/50 bleach/water mix around the hold. Rinse with a hose when finished. —RB
Propulsion. PHOTOS: JEFF HERMAN
BREEZE ON HOME
Cruise effortlessly to your downwind destination. A sturdy golf umbrella will have you flying around the flat faster than Mary Poppins. As a bonus, it doubles as shade on cooking hot days. —Jose Chavez
WHISTLE UP HELP
A signal whistle can be heard five times farther than a human scream. A succession of three blasts is the international distress signal. —RB
ARM PADDLING IS FOR PUPPIES, stop doing it and put some high octane in your paddling engine! You can travel farther and faster using your core muscles. Learning the forward stroke just takes practice. ACA instructor Rani Henderson of Artist Boat demonstrates the three key components:
THE CATCH
Put the entire paddle blade in the water at your foot. PROPULSION
Do not bend your arm at the elbow during this portion of the forward stroke. Instead turn your shoulders! This will force you to use your core muscles as you pull the kayak forward.
THE RELEASE AVOID LIGHTNING
Seek shelter on shore before the storm arrives. Lay rods flat, beach the ‘yak and give it distance. Crouch down on your PFD. —JC
Pull the blade out at your hip and remember not to go past your hip. Look at your arm! Is it still straight? It should be. The only elbow bend you should see occurs as the blade leaves the water.
Repeat on the opposite side and you can now commence hauling ass. —Jeff Herman
www.kayakanglermag.com… 41
The release. PHOTOS: JEFF HERMAN
PHOTO: RIC BURNLEY
PHOTO: RIC BURNLEY
PHOTO: JOSE CHAVEZ
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