Techniques & Safety
When we perform a normal sweep stroke some of our energy is lost as a result of our blade moving through…
A sweep stroke is one that is primarily used for turning a kayak. If we do a forward sweep stroke on the…
Due to the instability usually experienced when stopping, having a stopping stroke that provides support…
It propels us in a straight line. Although it may be the stroke we do 95% of the time to get around, it…
I have met recreational paddlers who express to me that they already know how to paddle, have never…
Now I'll try and describe how to do the strokes you need to make your boat go where you want to take it.…
By Tom WatsonAs I watched the National Weather Channel the other night, I scanned the coasts and larger…
At the outset, I should make it clear that when winter comes to my northern Wisconsin home, I don't go…
By Tom Watson Living within 600 miles of the Arctic Circle on an island in the North Pacific Ocean…
There are many different ways to drain water from a kayak. The original methods of modern kayaking had…
As an instructor I have been fascinated by the length of time it takes many kayakers to get from one…
The most frequently used solo recovery after wet exiting is the paddle float recovery. The paddle float…
I heard a joke many years ago. When the judge came home his wife confronted him with her dilemma. She…
As a professional educator and a kayaking instructor I must begin this article by saying: I believe…
Whatever type of river you're running, you've got to be comfortable with your paddling group. Too often,…
The "Hand of God" is a very useful rescue technique for dealing with beginner or novice paddlers who are…
The T-rescue involves a rescuer offering one end of his kayak to an upside-down paddler to use for…
When launching from a shoreline that has surf, the paddler has to find a way to get into their kayak and…
Boofing is the act, or art, of keeping the bow of your kayak from diving underwater, and it is without a…
Running waterfalls is a unique skill that requires lots of practice and a conservative approach because…
Reactionaries are diagonal breaking waves or holes, and are a common phenomenon on big water rivers.…
The following is a modified excerpt from Ken Whiting's book, 'The Ultimate Guide to Whitewater…
The following is a modified excerpt from Ken Whiting's book, 'The Ultimate Guide to Whitewater…
The seal entry involves sliding off the shoreline and dropping into the river. The seal entry is a fun…