1st time Paddler...Any tips?

Question

I've never paddled before, but am very anxious and excited to. Does anyone have any tips, or advice for my first day... or anything else in general...

Answer 1

Here you go:

1. Relax - boats are fun, and water is wet.  As long as you aren't in a highly technical boat, and you aren't in crazy water, you have little to worry about.

2.  Loose hips.   Keep your hips loose - the boat may rock a little, but if you keep your upper body above the centerline, you'll be fine.  Think of it like a hula dancer - you can shift your butt left and right, but your upper body stays stationery.  If the boat leans a little, don't be rigid and lean with it - you could cause it to go over.  Loose hips, keep your torso upright, and you'll do great.

3. Listen to more experienced companions and their advice.

4.  Have fun!

Answer 2

Assuming that you are either canoeing or kayaking I can give you a few tips.  Mostly safety issues.  First, keep your boat centered, this includes your weight, gear, etc.,   try not to get your boat sideways in the river.  If you do get yourself into trouble and get out of the boat always make sure that the boat is below you.  Do not let yourself get trapped between the boat and any rocks, logs or any other objects.



You should paddle with someone who knows the river you will be paddleing on and don't try out any rapids til you get the hang of your boat.  I would avoid anything greater than class II rapids to start and even these can sometimes be tough on beginners.

Always and I repeat always wear your safety gear, helmet and most importantly your life vest.  Even shallow water can be dangerous.  Alot of folks think that because it isn't deep it is safe, it is more important to think about the flow of the water instead of the depth.

Flooded rivers and streams may look like alot of fun but they are especially dangerous.  There are such things as most paddlers call "strainers".  These are things such as logs, trash. limbs, etc. that are in the flood zone that you may or may not see.  If you happen to overturn and get pushed under the water on these areas, the flow "current" can hold your body up against them and you can not pull yourself off of them.  You will drown.  Seen it happen myself.  Best advise is to stay away from flooded areas.

You can always use your paddle as your rutter.  It is the easiest way to control your boat with the least amount of energy.  Have someone show you all the basic strokes and you will see how easy it is.

My family and I love the river and live next to the New River in the NC mtns.  We have alot of fun and everyone learned with ease how to control their own boats.  Our fav's are the kayaks and we really like the sit on top designs.

Have a Great Time....Be Safe....and You will Always be Glad you decided to join the "water world".

Answer 3

What are you paddling? that would help

Answer 4

wear comfortable pants and or underwear.