Welcome to the World of Paddling!
We're happy you came out to take a paddling clinic with us. We're hoping to give you some follow-up information that will help you continue successfully in the sport. This is the first of three newsletters on this subject.
Paddling Focus
"River Sense" is all about using your common sense and instincts to have a fun, safe time on the water.
- Know what you're getting yourself into: read guide books, website descriptions and talk to experienced boaters about the rivers you’re thinking of running.
- Be aware of the differences between rivers. Two rivers that both are rated at a similar class level can be very different. Common types of rivers are high volume rivers, low volume rivers and creeks. Each type of river has different characteristics which change one's paddling style.
- The best rescue is the one that never happens. Avoid situations that will needlessly put you at added risk, such as swollen rivers, rapids or rivers way above your skill level, and groups that are paddling carelessly.
- Use your head and listen to your instincts. If you feel strange about a situation there may well be a good reason; take this opportunity to re-evaluate the situation and change your approach.
- Don't tempt the river gods by running rapids above your skill level. Just because you heard some novice survived does not mean you will be so lucky. Use good judgment.
- It is better to wish you had run a rapid than wish you had not! The rapid will be there long after you are gone. Come back on another day and see how you feel.
Networking: Northeast Paddlers Message Board
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There are many local paddlers and paddling organizations. One great way to get in touch with them is through the Northeast Paddlers Message Board, an information and communication resource for New England paddlers. Post an upcoming trip on their "Connections" forum and find out who's paddling in your neck of the river.
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River Stewardship
As members of the paddling community, we have an opportunity and a responsibility to care for our local waterways. It all starts with a caretaker mentality. Carry out your own trash, of course, but also keep a lookout for the trash of other people who weren't as considerate. Recycle any bottles and cans you find, or donate them to the recycling program of a local school. It only takes a little extra effort to make a significant difference.
The Deerfield River Watershed Association is a non-profit organization dedicating to caring for the local watershed of north-western Massachusetts and south-eastern Vermont. DRWA is an invaluable resource for learning to become a good steward of our local rivers.
Learning About Your Equipment: Helmet and PFD
| Helmet Try on many different helmets to determine which one works for you. Remember, the best helmet for you is the one that fits best. Decide what type of helmet you'd like: do you want it to cover your ears? Do you want a brim, and do you want that brim to be reversible? The helmet should sit over your brow and provide adequate coverage, and with the straps properly adjusted it should be snug and not roll back. Used kayak equipment is great, but you should always buy your helmet new so you know its history. You can expect to spend between $40-$140 for a helmet. |
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P.F.D.
Your personal flotation device should be comfortable and not restrict movement while still providing adequate flotation. There are several types of PFD that are numbered based on their intended use; you'll want a Type III PFD.Whitewater PFDs are cut higher so they can work with a sprayskirt. Expect to spend between $80 - $135 for your PFD. |
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Continuing Education at Zoar: River Runs and Class II/III Clinics
We offer many classes designed to help you continue developing as a paddler. If you've taken one of our 2, 3, or 5-day novice clinics, or if you're at least an advanced beginner, consider signing up for a river run. River runs are a great way to practice your skills under the guidance of a qualified instructor while enjoying some of New England's best whitewater. The Deerfield River offers river running for advanced beginner, intermediate or advanced paddlers right in our own backyard.
If you're an advanced beginner or intermediate kayaker, a Class II or III whitewater clinic can help take your paddling to the next level. We'll focus on the skills that will help you advance to more challenging whitewater or just get more comfortable on the rivers you're already running.
Paddling Techniques and Tips
Paddling Fundamentals
- Maintain an upright posture so you can rotate around the axis of your spine. Remember that good posture promotes more power and better hull control.
- Separate your upper and lower body. Each half needs to move independently but cooperatively so you can switch weight from one hip (knee) to the other. Being able to separate your body movements will allow you to use your boat edge to maneuver efficiently and effectively.
- Keep your head over the centerline of the boat.
- Keep your hips loose; allow the boat to move underneath you. "Loose hips save flips."
- Rotate your torso to “face your work” and work in the “paddler’s box”. This will let you use the large muscle groups and protect your shoulders. Keep your hands in front of your shoulder line on every stroke and you will keep your shoulders intact.
- Maintain an active and engaged paddle blade. If you seek resistance on the paddle you will get power, but if you shed the resistance you get recovery.
- Warm up before stretching
- Stretch both the upper and lower body.
- Hold stretches for at least 20 seconds and don't bounce.
- Always spend enough time stretching to prevent injuries.
- Remember to relax. The calmer you are, the easier it is to get out of the boat.
- When you flip, remember "tuck, pull, push."
- Tuck forward to protect your face and head. If you lean back, you can't reach your grab loop from your back deck, and you’d be in an exposed position.
- Pull the grab loop to remove the sprayskirt if you have one.
- Push yourself out of the boat while staying tucked forward.
- To avoid foot entrapment, never stand up in moving current that is deeper than your knee.
- Swim on your back looking downstream with your feet at the surface.
- If you need to be more aggressive with your self-rescue, roll over on your stomach, orient your body in a ferry position and swim aggressively head first to shore.
- When swimming with equipment, hold gear in one hand down stream and use a vigorous sidestroke with your free hand to pull yourself to shore.
- Try to self rescue yourself and your gear, however if your gear is taking you somewhere you don’t want to be, let go of it. You are priceless; your gear can be replaced.
- Swim aggressively to the best, not necessarily the closest shore.
- Separate your upper and lower body movements and curve your spine to keep your head balanced and centered above the boat.
- To edge the boat, pull up on one knee and drop the opposite butt cheek.
- If you pull up on both knees or “clench your butt cheeks” it is more difficult to edge and separate your upper and lower body.
- Stay relaxed and breathe.
- 99% of the time, if your boat flips over, it's because you were leaning it in the opposite direction it was turning.