Basic Sea Kayak Control Part 1.

Do you wonder why some kayakers seem to just glide across the water, seemingly effortlessly, at speeds that seem impossible to achieve, even in windy conditions? 

This course will show you how!

You will learn the necessary paddle strokes to efficiently and effectively control your kayak in cross or head winds up to 19 km (force 3 Beaufort Scale).

Most importantly, you will learn why they work from first principles.

The course is divided into 2 sessions
Morning: Learning the theory & paddle strokes (see key topics).
Lunch Break
Afternoon: Short sea kayak journey. Practicing the new skills & knowledge.

DURATION:  1 Day
BEGINNER LEVEL
Suitable for first timers & novices.
A practical, hands on course to teach you the fundamentals of sea kayaking.

LOCATION:
James L Boyd Reserve
6 The Esplanade, Swansea, NSW 2281
TIME:  9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
PRICE: $40 pp

HOMEWORK

Read these 2 pages before attending the course!

1. The Beaufort Scale: 
https://training.seakayakadventuregroup.org/beaufort-scale/

2. What is Weather cocking?
https://training.seakayakadventuregroup.org/weather-cocking

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Basic Sea Kayak Control

"the 1st step of your sea kayak journey"

sea kayak paddle stroke

 KEY TOPICS include:

  1. Learning the two different Forward Paddle strokes – correct techniques & posture, when to apply them, and why it is so important.
  2. Modifying forward strokes to counteract weather cocking and paddling against head winds.
  3. The Forward & Reverse Turn Strokes (Sweep Stroke) – correct techniques, why it works, when to apply them and how to make them most effective.
  4. Correcting the common Sweep Stroke mistakes made by beginners.
  5. Edging – to turn or control your kayak in cross winds, improve forward paddle and sweep stroke efficiency, and conserve energy.
  6. Combining strokes for optimal efficiency in windy conditions
  7. When and where to use the kayak rudder system.
  8. The Dunning-Kruger effect! Knowing when NOT to get on the water. (see below)

Rough Itinerary:
All kayaking times are approximate and can be subject to change due to weather and sea conditions!.

Details:
09:30 meet at James L Boyd Reserve, Swansea.
Unload equipment, change into paddling clothes.
10:00 – 12:30:
(i) Understanding the effects of wind on kayaks (weather cocking).
(ii) Understanding the effects of waves on kayaks (gravity & buoyancy).(iii) Understanding how water pressure effects kayak control.
(iv) The Forward Paddle strokes (2) – correct techniques & posture, correct choice, and why it is so important.
(v) The Forward & Reverse Turn Strokes (Sweep Stroke) – correct techniques, why it works and how to effectiveness.
(vi) Edging – to turn or control your kayak in cross winds, improve forward paddle and sweep stroke efficiency and conserve energy.
12:30 to 13:30
A short kayak journey to consolidate your knowledge.
The Dunning-Kruger effect, group communications and safety management
16:00
Get changed. Wash & store your equipment.
16:30
Depart for home.

What to bring.

Kayaking Equipment 
(NB, if you need it, sea kayaks and all gear is available for rental @$40 / day)

  • Kayak
  • Buoyancy Vest
  • Paddle (plus breakdown spare if you have one).
  • Pump (optional)
  • Sprayskirt

Paddle Clothing  (clothing that gets wet):
#  Shorts,
#  Long sleeved rash shirt,
#  Hat (preferably broad brim),
#  Water shoes (shoes to wear while kayaking – NO bare feet, crocs or thongs  please)!
#  Sunscreen if you wear it.

Food
Bring a wholesome, packed lunch as there are no shops or cafes at the James L Boyd Reserve.
Please ensure it is in a waterproof bag or container.

Bring ample water for the day in a reusable water container.
We do not allow single-use water bottles due to their impact on the oceans.

First Aid (optional)
I will bring my first aid kit but its always good practice to bring your own. 

Equipment Hire


sea kayak instructor

My contact details are:
Email: within4hours@gmail.com
Phone / Whatsapp: 0493377171

Your Instructor
Dave Wilson has over 50 years and of sea kayak and whitewater kayak experience, providing professional kayak instruction and river guiding in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia, North & Central America.

This is a practical course for developing skills to control a sea kayak in the dynamic and potentially dangerous marine environment. Dave’s philosophy – “we play in a small piece of plastic, sandwiched between the 2 most powerful forces on the planet earth – the ocean & the atmosphere. It can be fantastic fun. It may not always be.
Preparation, skills, knowledge & experience will make it ever lasting.”