Novice Kayak Question?

Question

My first kayak experience was a little shaky. Is it normal for the kayak to feel as if it is going to tip during movement or is there a technique I need to learn. Also I was having trouble steering the kayak.

Answer 1

A properly designed kayak is stable. The degree of stability depends on its purpose. Wider kayaks are more stable than narrower ones. Kayaks are simolar to bicycles, they are more stable when they are in motion. Sit upright in your kayak, twist your torso forward to advance your paddle, dip the paddle into the water and pull the kayak forward. Stop the stroke at your hip. Do not lean back. Steering: straight ahead, use forward strokes; left or right, use sweep strokes or two forward strokes on the same side. You can also minimize the power of the stroke on one side and the kayak will turn in that direction when you stroke on the other side. Practice controlling your kayak utilizing, stop or brake strokes, forward strokes, back strokes, sweep strokes and draw strokes. Learn on-side and off-side braces. When turning in moving water lean downstream!

Answer 2

It really depends on the kind of kayak you were in.  The wider kayaks are usually a bit more stable.  Slimmer kayaks are generally easier to tip over.  "Nose over navel keeps the boat stable" is the expression I've heard (though it sounds very lame).  Kayak stability can vary quite a bit.  Also, the boat may have been stable and you perceived it as unstable because you weren't used to being in something that moved that much.

Some stores that sell kayaks have demo days where they take many of their kayaks to a single location and let you paddle around for a few minutes.  It's a good way to get info on the characteristics of each style/size kayak and you can also try different paddles.

Steering takes practice (a little more for those who have never paddled anything).  Basically, paddle on the opposite side that you want to turn to.  If you want to turn left then paddle on the right.  You can also paddle backward on the side that you want to turn to if you don't have room to go forward.  If you have the blade of the paddle right next to the kayak when it is in the water (a power stroke) you won't turn as much.  Longer kayaks are harder to turn but generally track (stay straight) better.  Some kayaks also have rudders to help with steering but it is a good idea to learn to steer with the paddle first.  Some kayak shops also have paddling classes.  The one where I live charges around $45 and provides the kayak and paddle.

Answer 3

keep your head in the center of the boat, if you lean your big mellon too far over you go, they are remarkably stable once you get the hang of it, also low brace style paddling helps speed also helps stability.