Kayaking – the Simple Blend of Recreation, Fitness and Excitement
This extreme sport is represented on many river and some sea expeditions. What makes it interesting is the fact that it is ideal for activating the muscles of the whole body, due to maintaining balance. Therefore, kayaking is a perfect combination of recreation, fitness and excitement.
Types of kayaking
There are two types of this sport: sea and river. Beginners are advised to go sea or lake kayaking because of the calm water. It is also less intimidating than river kayaking, because you are not under constant stress from overturning and hitting rocks.
A common mistake people make when driving a kayak is overuse of the biceps. Instead, the arms should be at a 90-degree angle together with the body, and the paddle should come from the shoulders. So, this sport is a great cardio workout. It is also important to learn the technique of turning to the surface (Eskimo turning) because it is often the case that the kayak overturns and you end up underwater.
Between two substances
In kayaking or canoeing, the competitor encounters only two substances. These are water and air. The air is of course not visible, but every human breath is proof of its existence. On the other hand, the surface of the river can be clearly recognized. Wave lines are a sure indicator of what is under water (rock). Of course, it is much easier to manage a kayak in clear water.
The rapids slalom is a track where observers can only see events taking place on the surface of the water. Only competitors have direct contact with the underwater world. Sometimes their wrists get hurt and break at the bottom of the river. Also, during his career, every kayaker breaks several boats and oars on rocks.
Get ready for kayaking
- Place the paddle (or broom handle) on your shoulders behind your head and hold it twice the width of your shoulders. Step apart with your knees slightly bent and your back straight. Starting with the hips, twist the body, making sure that the shoulders and hips go together
- Hold the paddle in front of you at shoulder height, while your shoulders are bent at a 90 degree angle. Twist the body left and right
- Take the paddle in front of you at shoulder height, and rotate your shoulders slightly as if making one stroke at a time.
- Before you go kayaking, remember that you must know how to swim.