There is a misconception that all racing kayaks are tippy boats – not at all!
Did you know, there are more than 30 of our club members, aged 10 years to 70+, who get enjoyment from racing? Note the use of the word “enjoyment”.
Each year we conduct short introductory sessions training in racing kayaks, where we get them into a stable racing kayak. As paddlers gain confidence, they quickly find themselves ready to try some of the faster, less stable kayaks.
Below is the information we share on the course. If you are interested in attending this short course, please contact Steve.
Outline Programme
This course runs over 4 sessions with six objectives:
- A structured and consistent introduction to flatwater canoeing in stable racing kayaks.
- A basic understanding of safety procedures.
- An introduction to the equipment, how it is set up and used.
- A basic understanding of good forward paddling technique.
- Practice all the basic strokes (turns, support and moving sideways) in a stable racing kayak.
- An opportunity to participate with other newcomers at a similar level of skill.
Lesson Plans Sessions 1-4
These reflect the content of the 4 sessions in the outline programme. They are a guide to the sequence of events and the information to be covered.
Training Objectives
The standard expected for each skill is indicated. This reflects the ideal standard after a lot of practice and is unlikely to be achieved by the end of the course. After the second session paddlers will be provided with a written summary of the advice they have been given, which can be used it for revision.
Course Handout
This will be issued to all who register before the first session, with the request that they read it and ask any questions on the subject matter during the initial briefing. The questions at the end can be posed at times during the 4 sessions to assess whether attendees have read and understood the content – particularly with regard to safety, the canal and the environment.
The Paddlers Code
This is provided to all who attend the course before the first session.