This type of water sports offers adventure and is also healthy. Kayaking sports use small boats to cross waters such as rivers, lakes and even seas. In addition to being physically healthy, this sport can be a fun recreation. Kayaking competitions have also been held many times to be recognized as a sport in the Olympics.
Basic Techniques In Kayaking Sports
This sport has basic techniques that are important to understand because they relate to one’s safety. Techniques such as paddling and controlling a kayak correctly must be learned appropriately. Although it looks fun, at least you know the basic techniques to prevent problems when in the water.
Rowing Techniques
There are three of these techniques that must be learned, first the forward stroke with the basic pedal moving forward. Hand position holding the paddle on the shoulder then pushing and pulling on the side of the kayak. Second, reverse stroke is used to reverse or reduce speed in the opposite direction of the paddle from the forward stroke. Third, sweep stroke to turn which is done by rowing in a circle on one side of the boat.
Techniques for Maintaining Balance
The sitting position must be stable by making sure the body is upright and both legs are pressing against the inner side of the boat. If the kayak starts to tip over, push the paddle toward the water on the side of the boat to maintain balance.
Eskimo Roll Technique
If the kayak is upside down, this technique will be used to help reposition the kayak without having to get out of the boat. For torrential water surfers, this technique is often used and requires more practice.
In addition to basic techniques that must be known, security and safety are also the main things that must be considered. Using safety equipment when kayaking such as life jackets is mandatory. Make sure you know the terrain you will be traveling on and check the weather forecast first. Bringing additional equipment such as communication tools is also important, especially in remote arenas.
Tips for Starting Kayaking
Interested in trying kayaking sports because it seems fun, but you need to know some tips so that the sport runs correctly. It looks easy but requires special training so that the risk of injury does not occur. For beginners, start on calm waters such as lakes with steady currents to learn how to operate a kayak.
First, use a recreational kayak because it is more stable and easy to control. It is more advisable to take classes or professional guidance so that there is an instructor who teaches various techniques. Before doing this sport, train your immune system to stay fit. For beginners, it should be done with friends, besides being safer, of course it is also fun.
Based on a tutorial from REI’s Youtube channel to be able to kayak correctly, make sure the boat fits first. This sports equipment must use clothes that dry quickly and be fitted with a whistle. Using shoes is highly recommended and don’t forget to wear sunscreen. Furthermore, the sitting position must be comfortable and perpendicular. According to him, a good technique is that the part of the paddle blade that is pulled facing the body with the distance between the hands and the head must be right at the angle of the elbow.
Use body strength instead of arms to paddle. Rotate on one side of the body toward the front of the kayak. Push one hand forward while the other hand pulls back up to the hips. If you want to stop, immerse the paddle behind and pull it forward until it reaches the feet.
Benefits of Kayaking for Health
Kayaking requires arm and shoulder strength, so the muscle strength in the core of the body will increase and form. Doing so continuously will improve heart health and lung capacity. Balance and coordination of the body will be well trained and improved.
In addition to being physical, mentally will be more relaxed because this sport is done outdoors. That way the mind can calm down and stress is reduced. Concentration will be more focused and increase when facing the current.
The kayaking sports is known for its international competitions, being a fun yet challenging sport. This sport can be done by all people from beginners to professionals. Doing this sport is not only healthy but also a fun adventure. /novi
