Kayak Paddle Blades

The blades of your kayak paddles are an important part when it comes to your ability to control your kayak. The paddle blade affects how much water you push with each stroke as well as how the paddle moves through the water. You generally want a good balance between the amount of force you get with each stroke and how easy it is for the paddle to move through the water.
There are two main types of paddle blades: symmetrical and asymmetrical. People who are going kayak touring, asymmetrical paddles are usually the norm. This is because the asymmetrical shape can help give more control over the kayak - making it easier for the paddle to slice through the water.
Another thing to look at is whether or not the blades are curved. If you're a beginner, then you'll probably want to start out with a flatter blade, because these blades are very easy to control. However, if you're an experienced kayaker, then you might want to look into getting a curved blade, because these blades will grip the water better and give you more power.
If you're looking for kayak paddles, make sure that you take a good look at the blades before you buy them. For beginners, simpler is usually better, but you will want to find a blade that has some element of design involved. If you have been kayaking before, however, then you may want to experiment with the different types of paddle blades until you find the type that work best for you.

http://www.paddlerscove.com/ carries a full line of paddles and kayaks.
http://www.paddlingstuff.com/ is an online outlet store carrying paddle gear at discounted prices

Holding A Paddle

The paddle, an essential part of your kayak gear, needs to be held in a manner that will create optimum performance for your kayak, and maximum comfort for you. Hold your paddle with both hands so that the middle of the paddle shaft is centered between your thumbs. You don't have to grip it very tightly, you may wear yourself out that way. Hold the paddle over your head with your upper arms horizontal and your forearms vertical. This is the maximum power position for paddling.

Tippy Kayaks

Well-designed kayaks wiggle easily in the water. You actually need to lean your kayak in order to turn it. When you are sitting in your kayak, you will feel that it is easy to tilt your boat a few degrees, but increasingly hard to make it lean any further. Then, it feels almost impossible to go any further. This is called secondary stability. That means a kayak is easy to lean and very hard to flip, no matter how "tippy" it feels.

Using A Bilge Pump

In shallow water, you can invert a kayak to dump out any water that's found it's way into the hull. However, if the wake from a power boat suddenly sends a pile of water into your kayak when your out in deep water, you will need a plan. Bailing cans can be awkward, but a bilge pump will save your day. A bilge pump stores nicely under deck rigging, and is within arms length when you need it. Shove the bottom down into the bilge, and start working the handle up and down. Make sure you direct the stream of water overboard, and you may want to keep a bilge sponge on hand to get the last few drops.

www.paddlerscove.com

Entering/Exiting a Kayak

One technique that most beginning paddlers struggle with is the task of getting into a kayak while in the water. Jumping into a sea or whitewater kayak is nearly impossible, and trying to do so will most likely send you back into the water. It's difficult because the boat by nature will be moving as you try to re-enter. Practic, patience and the right gear are key in learning this skill.Begin your practice on dry land, by parking your kayak on a stretch of grass. First step into your spray skirt and pull it up over your body until it's about chest level, then put on your PFD. Now practice putting one leg, then the other, into the cockpit and then slide down into the seat.Once you're comfortable with this maneuver, it's time to try it on the water. If you can find a stretch of shallow, calm water, you're in luck. You can use what's known as the "paddle bridge" approach to kayak entry. The idea here is to float your boat out into ankle-deep water, then use your paddle as a "bridge" between your boat and the shore, thus giving you a stable platform on which to enter.This is accomplished by resting one blade of your paddle on the shore, while placing the other end of the paddle shaft across your boat, just behind the cockpit (and not on the coaming). By reaching back and grabbing the shaft with both hands behind you, you can squat down and swing your legs one at a time into the cockpit. Try to stay low, but avoid putting too much weight on the paddle shaft; it's meant to provide balance, not support your entire weight.Once inside the cockpit, you can settle into the seat and attach the spray skirt. The easiest way to accomplish this is by working the hem of the skirt around the rear curve of the coaming, then hook the front of the skirt over the forward curve and attach the sides. You can balance the paddle across the front deck while you're doing this.This will all seem a little awkward at first. But practice makes perfect, as the old saying goes, and soon you'll be boarding your kayak without a second thought.
http://www.paddlerscove.com/

Kayak Gear

Sit-in-Kayaks

The best time to kayak.

Sit-in Kayaks have a longer season
No matter when you decide is the best time to kayak, always make sure you have the right gear, including a spray skirt for your sit-in kayak during cool weather. You may need to try several different times during the year in order to determine your favorite. Some people recommend kayaking during the spring as the winter snows melt and add to the volume of water flow in the rivers.
Others don't like the rapids therefore they like a nice hot summer day where there is little wind and river flows have subsided. Ultimately it is a personnel choice based upon ones preferences.

Sit-in kayaks have a longer season because when the weather gets cooler, you can use a spray skirt to keep yourself dry.

Cheap Kayaks

Cheap kayaks are often just as good quality as their counterparts, but without the bells and whistles. If you don't need dry storage or deck rigging, you can purchase a cheap kayak and have a blast in the river or lake, or wherever you want to go! If you are simply looking to have a good time on a day trip, there is no reason to break the bank. Perception makes a 9.5 ft.boat called the Express, and it's only $299.00. See the section of our website dedicated to kayaks and look around- you may be surprised at how many kayaks are in a relatively low price range.

Happy Paddling!

Cheap Kayaks

www.paddlerscove.com

Kayak Day Trips

What's the best kayak for flatwater day trips?
One really good mid-priced choice would be a Perception Prodigy 12. It's a compact boat, but has enough length to provide good tracking. Another is the Dagger Element 11.2. It's designed to be handled in calm waters or light river. It's stable, tracks well, and offers plenty of storage space for day trips, or even weekenders.
For a look at more great kayak options and tips, visit www.paddlerscove.com.
Best kayak for flatwater day trips

Kayak Paddles

Kayak paddles have a blade on each end, and are handled from the middle of the shaft. Choosing your paddle is as important as choosing your kayak.
Kayak paddles having blades in the same plane (when viewed down the shaft) are called "un-feathered." Paddles with blades in different planes are called "feathered". Feathered paddles are measured by the degree of feather, such as 30, 45, or even 90 degrees. Many modern paddles can be adjusted by the user for feathered or unfeathered settings. The shaft is normally straight but in some cases a 'crank' is added with the aim of making the paddle more comfortable and reduce the strain on the wrist. Because the kayak paddle is not supported by the boat, paddles made of lighter materials are desired, it is not uncommon for a kayak paddle to be two pounds (32 ounces) or less in weight. Some examples of kayak paddles are: Bending Branches, AT, Swift, and Harmony.

Kayaking Gear: Wetsuits/Drysuits

Kayak gear: Wetsuits/Drysuits and Tops
When putting together your gear for a kayak trip, this is the rule of thumb to follow : If you’re not willing to fully submerge yourself in the water at the beginning of the day, you’re not adequately prepared. No matter how warm the air is, dress for the temperature of the water. The best way to combat the cold is by wearing a wetsuit, a drysuit, a dry top, or a semi-dry top.
Wetsuit: A wetsuit is a neoprene bodysuit that keeps out the chill of cold water and protects you against hypothermia. Wetsuits for kayakers are different than ones you would find at a dive shop. The neoprene is thinner and they are usually sold as a one-piece, tank-top style with long pants called 'Farmer John's' or 'Farmer Jane's'. This style allows your legs and core to stay warm while keeping your arms and shoulders free to move.

Drysuits: For even more protection from the cold, you can invest in a waterproof drysuit. A drysuit is a loose-fitting, insulated, substantial nylon garment worn over clothing and designed to keep water out completely. Drysuits often have Gore-Tex® linings and rubberized gaskets to seal water out and keep you warm even in sub-zero temperatures. You should wear quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothing under a drysuit.
Dry Tops: Like drysuits, waterproof dry tops are made from nylon, are worn over a shirt, and feature cuffs and gaskets designed to keep the water out. Dry tops are usually not insulated.
Semi-dry Tops: Generally, the most breathable and roomy garment is the semi-dry top. These tops are waterproof and feature fitted neck and wrist gaskets, adjustable waist closures, and taped seams to help keep water out.
http://www.paddlerscove.com/
Kayak Gear