Newbie

[DCMcG]

Hey there,

I'm brand new to the world of kayaking, I've only been out on the river 4 times total, but I love it, and can't wait to get back out there! I bought a membership to a boat club on the Potomac, and plan to send a few hours each week on the water. I've only experienced recreational kayaking on calm river water, but I'm hoping to change that once I pick up some experience. What advice do you have for me, as far as sticking with it, learning new skills, expanding my geographic area, etc.? Should I look for a class? If so, does anyone know of any good programs in the DC area? Also, are there any good websites for resources with tips on developing form? What's the best type of boat to start out in?

Thanks, I look forward to learning more through this website!

[WhiteWaterSlunk]

If at all possible I'd recommend taking a swift water rescue class, this gives you the skills to help avoid and get yourself(others) out of bad situations. The knowledge you will learn from one of these courses will be very handy any time you go kayaking...

Find a kayak clinic to help you get your rolls down and to learn other tips

Some sites that I find to be very useful:
www.mountainbuzz.com", www.boatertalk.com, www.playak.com, www.americanwhitewater.org, www.kayakschool.com (kayaking classes and S.W.R. courses in PA) and this one is very useful: www.waterdata.usgs.gov, for it gives you real time data on river flows.

A boat to start out in? It all depends on what you will be primarily doing Flat water or white water.

Flat water: Old town loon and Prodigy Perception 10 are boats that I've personally used and I would recommend as a first boat. These two are typical rec boats and will not be fun to run white water in at all.

White Water: Pyranha Everest (I own 2 and love them dearly, very stable and easy to learn with), Pyranha Karnali (never used one, they don't come out till next season but I did get to look one over at Gauley Fest. They are supposed to be very forgiving and still able to run some serious white water) Liquid Logic Jefe, Pyranha Burn, Fluid Solo, and the Jackson Punk-Rocker
All of these are "creekers" and will not be very fun to paddle in long stretches of flat water...

Hybird, Liquid Logic REmix can do white water and flat water. Its very stable and to top it off it has a spring loaded retractable, skieg which will keep you going in a straight line on flat water. Then when you hit some white water just pull it up and your ready to go...
This REmix is the boat that I'd recommend to take a good look at. Though the main thing is to demo any boat BEFORE you buy it.

I hope that I've helped, remember to demo as many boats as you can before you buy one. Also don't skimp on your safety gear; get a new Coast Guard approved P.F.D. that you will wear, A helmet that you will wear, a good sharp river knife, Solid river shoes, and a friend or two any time you go yakin.

Good luck on your gear search
Slunk

[Tanner]

i would star in a river runner or creek boat cuz there more stable than a playboat but thats how i learn

[deon]

Goeie dag jonge dame.
Go for a rolling clinic, then once you got it going practice. practice is doing 20-30 good "rolls" everyday or at least every time you practice. Many people say that to begin kayaking you do not have to roll. I do not completely support this idea. If you are not confident with rolling your kayak then you will be stiff,nervous,tense when paddling becuase you are affraid of falling over. If how ever you get your roll going then when you paddle you will be more relaxed and able to focus on paddling and moving forward. The more supple and relaxed one is while paddling the more you can use your body to control the kayak and thus will spend less time upside down.

In terms of kayaks to start with I would recomend a Fluid Spice in medium or large. We use them here in South Africa for our beginner kayak courses, they roll easy, are stable and allow you to play a bit as well. I find beginners battle with creek boats becuase of the size and volume. The spice will also allow you to experience both freestyle and river running and then you can decide if your next kayak should be a full on creek boat or playboat depending on what you like most.

Happy paddling and if you ever make it to Africa let me know, then a plan for a paddle can be made.
Cheers
d

[Leo]

the best boat, is one that fits. Never buy a new boat, always used. To start out, go with a river runner, not a creeker. Playboayboats and creekers are for more advanced boaters. Make sure you fit the weight requirements. It should be snug. Also ask people if you can demo there boats to get a feel for what you really do and do not like.

[danielle]

I disagree,,, I started two years ago with a creek boat and found it very stable..... good to learn in is anything with high volume and rounded edges. As someone mentioned, fit and weight proportions are key, but also, dont get wrapped up in the hype of "this boat is best for you". Part of being a WW paddler is learing to use what you have, be it gear or water conditions, to acheive the movement and get the location you want to be at. Good luck, and feel the boat, whatever boat it is!

[In Between Swims]

Longtime DC whitewater instructor here....

Take a class. No question that taking a class with someone that has been trained in 'how to teach' can be more beneficial than just trying to figure it out on your own. There are several parts of the sport that seem counter-intuitive - like your head being the last thing to come out of the water when you roll - that a good instructor can help with.

Canoe clubs are a mixed bag - sometimes you get good help, sometimes not. With the DC area schools, you're more likely to get someone that's been through the ACA training and has kept current on their instructor certification. And, with the schools, you can take some classes in the winter in local swimming pools to get familiar with gear, technique, the roll - and meet other folks you can paddle with at your same level. Oh, and you can try lotsa boats to see what you like the best....

There are several schools in the DC area - all with quality instructors and programs. I teach for Liquid Adventure Kayak Schools (http://www.liquidadventures.org/). Feel free to drop me a note if you have any specific questions....

~jeffmc