Check out my new UA-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
Just bought my first Kayak and these videos have been a huge reason why i finally pulled the trigger on starting my paddling journey. Thanks Ken. Tom in the U.K
Paddling is what we do between involuntary swimming sessions. Your point about bracing versus rolling is right on. As we become elderly paddlers, maintaining enough flexibility to roll is tough and rolling frequently flairs the arthritis in my back and neck. So, well done.
that may not fit with your type of kayaking (if it's WW I mean), but there are gentle ways of rolling which require no effort, check the traditional Greenland back roll for instance
@@coriolanchassaing4887 Exactly. Some rolls are like rolling out of bed (other than getting wet). Kayakers should embrace the flip. Maintaining core strength and having a basic stretch program will work wonders for kayaking and life in general.
flipped over today in a sit on top kayak and realize how many mistakes I made. I never heard these tips either before and I plan to use them next time. Good content.
Your opening statement is so very true - we've lost count of the number of people who've expressed a fear of capsizing to us, and we know we had those same feelings ourselves when starting out too. Your video is perfect for giving people the tools and knowledge they need to ease those worries and get out there! Glad you saved those snazzy sunglasses, too! haha.
My husband and I just purchased two Sea Eagle 393RL’s and I love any kind of boating, paddling, rowing etc. On our first journey into our nearby lake I was about 50 ft offshore when I heard splash, there was my husband flipped over in one foot of water. I couldn’t stop laughing, although I felt for him. He’s not a boater and will be 80 this summer. He was a good sport about it though. We’re looking forward to lots of kayaking this summer, not in whitewater though. Ken we watch lots and lots of your videos and you’re so interesting and fun too. Keep them going and keep smiling, we love you!!! Tyke and Fred from outside St. Louis, Mo
That's awesome Tyke! Congrats on the new boats. Glad to hear you got to enjoy Fred's misfortune. :) I am DEFINITELY guilty of laughing out loud at people's paddling misfortunes. :) Thanks to both of you! Hope to see you in the St Louis area one day... because I'll definitely be back!
Another great video Ken. My kayak of choice to paddle 90 percent of the time is my cedar strip Guillemot Single touring kayak. I built it about 21 yrs ago. It is 21" wide and 17' long. Anytime I teach a new person how to paddle I show them on dry land how to get in and out . Then I teach them how to rock their hips side to side while keeping their torso upright . I stand in the water beside them for safety. Then I have them flip the kayak and make a wet exit. Usually any fear they have of flipping is gone within minutes. I find most people's fear is turning turtle and getting trapped in the kayak and drowning. I always have on my PFD and require anyone with me to wear theirs also . Most of my paddling is done on lakes or mild rivers not white water. I have only flipped unintentionally once in 29 yrs of kayaking because I stay fluid or limber in my kayak. I have paddled in the ocean with waves over six feet and even had my kayak mostly under water at one time. I have never feared for my life. This is why I love your videos so much. You point out the dangers but back it up with good sound techniques and defuse unnecessary fears. I believe like you that allot of people miss out because of misguided fear of the unknown. I believe most people are at allot higher risk just driving to work and home everyday. Thanks again Ken.
Wow... 21 year old cedar strip touring kayak. That's awesome. I totally agree with your approach... getting people to do a wet exit first is such a great idea. It removes one of the biggest fears people have right out of the gate. Thanks for the kind words Danny!
I recently learned to do a wet exit in one of my first formal lessons in the Puget Sound, with water is still around 50 degrees. I was nervous about the cold water in particular, since I know I have a tendency to hyperventilate when cold. Practicing flipping in such cold water immediately removed my fear, and while I did hyperventilate, I was aware of it and slowed my breathing down as soon as I surfaced so I could remain level-headed. I plan on practicing regularly so if I unintentionally flip, it's no big deal. Of course you should try not to flip, but I think it's also important to not be afraid to.
I actually got to practice that a few weeks ago. Novice paddler, older, out of shape lady, fearful……. We went on a river tour and the last part was through “slow zones”……that weren’t (if you know what I mean). When the first wake hit me, OMG! But I remembered to relax and go with it - I should have been a hula dancer…..not. But it saved me and gave me so much more confidence (while I cursed the speeding boaters 🫣).
The bracing stroke is such a complex and bewildering set of motions that all need to fire off in a prescribed sequence and it’s hard to make sense of how it even works, but this video describes it perfectly, creating that light bulb moment for the rest of us without the need to do 50 rolls beforehand. Thanks for the fantastic tutorial!
Long time Oregon coastal paddler here. Super clear instruction, though I have a small difference in perspective. Keeping one's head centered - critically important. But I view the braces to be fluid and incorporated into other strokes, mostly the forward stroke and done early, before one is already half over. I am a high cadence paddler and my go to technique is to use the back end of the forward stroke to blend into a low brace by simply rotating the blade a bit to flatten it on the surface by delaying the exit, which with forward momentum gives enough support to put my entire weight onto the blade, if desired. Using this technique I have a brace available every half second or so and use it before I actually need it in most cases. If I need more, then I use the same technique but cut my stroke short and slap the water, same motion, just done early and forcefully. Also, a hard plant gives decent support without delaying my propulsion, as in catching a wind wave when even a quick brace means missing the wave. Learning to use an aggressive plant when wobbling a bit in my surfski has helped tremendously. There are times when one needs a straight up classic brace, such as in surf, but I much prefer using half measures early and often, if needed, in a continuum between no brace and full on serious brace.
Great explanation of the brace 👍. I'm going to practice that as a paddle skill. I'm conscious that I'm fine straight-up paddling and using canoe strokes but apart from that I tend to keep my paddle out of the water because I'm nervous about accidentally unbalancing myself.
The first advice can be reworked as; practising shifting your weight between your individual buttocks, as if sitting on a stool. You still keep your head and body upright, and you feel the positive motion you make with your pelvis/hips to shift buttock (obviously starting with your weight equally between buttocks ;-). Once you get confident with the small weight shifts, you will then begin to feel how your other thigh and knee start to positively engage with the boats thigh brace, while still staying up right. The thing most people do 'wrong' when starting out is they lean their whole body (as if still on dry land, leveraging the far side of the boat), so having that focus shift from a head motion (for the lean) to the hip tilt motion for the edging of the boat is a big help to real beginners, noting that those of us who have begun instructing left this behind years ago, and don't even remember how it was an issue.
my 'yak is narrow enough I can roll to the side (decent secondary), and slap that rascal to bounce back up. I'm not doing it right, but, I find that the logic of what you said in this video is very relatable, because I've pushed myself back up a handful of times, keeping head up at 90* is key (true on motorcycles, too), and movin' them hips is one of the best things I've found to stop floundering, and right myself. However, one thing I've noticed that's maybe different, or just a different way of experiencing the same thing...not sure, yet. But, lets say I'm listing to starboard... you mentioned "pulling" up with the lower ("starboard" in this case) leg; I find that slamming my hips the opposite way helps...in a sense, i'm shoving my kayak under my leaning upper body. I *think* I'm pulling up with my right leg, as I'm shoving my body+kayak with my left hip in opposite directions. Twisting in a sense. I hope no one walks in right now, I'm trying to test the motion in an office chair...."No sir, I'm fine...I don't need medical assistance, I was just practicing a kayak maneuver....No sir, there's not much water in the server room. Yes, sir, that's a good thing...." Yeah, I'll wait til I get home....
Tight hips sink ships!! I learnt to brace mostly by being on the sea and trying to paddle fast to catch waves. Often got a bit unstable and bracing sort of came as part of it. Agree that learning to roll makes it a lot easier, and it will make you totally unafraid of actually going in. You will be able to try to see how far you can go and still use a brace to stop rolling completely. Often the best way to keep the boat stable is to keep paddling, each time you put the blade in it is giving you some support. If you stop paddling then you have nothing other than your core strength to try to keep the boat upright.
Ken’s teaching of techniques is always so clear and helpful. Another good paddle technique that I use, both when pausing for a mid-lake break and especially when climbing out of my kayak in shallow water, is to really extend my paddle far out to the side, keeping it shallow like a pontoon, holding it with one hand. Just remember to look at the paddle, as in Ken ‘s low brace demo. When pausing mid-lake I extend my paddle from a position in front of me; when exiting my kayak, I extend it from a position behind me, again using one hand to hold. Especially important to keep eyes on the pontoon paddle when exiting.
Hello!!! I am a beginner kayaker planning to take a lesson but I’ve done tandem with hubby even though I was so scared!!!! I am a non swimmer but I really enjoy kayaking!!! Can’t wait to learn more!!
Great video! I'm guessing that you learned to roll first with the C to C roll. The whole slapping the water idea for bracing may come from that. I usually need a brace most when I'm on a wave and another wave messes that wave up. I think because I learned sweeping braces from Greenland paddling I use them all the time. So for a low brace I sweep forward and for a high brace I sweep back. And some times when the wave is really too big I stay swept back laying in the water until things are more reasonable and then I sweep up to get upright again. Mind you I'm not very good at this so swims in the surf are part of the day. Thanks!
I enjoyed the review and have paddled most of the New River's North and South forks from near the headwaters to Fries, Va. I have a Perception Carolina 12 and it does very well in 95% of the river.
I love watching these just for Ken's expressions! Finally got my new Itiwit X500 on the water last week, and had to resort to the brace a couple of times. If anything, I think my hips are reacting too strongly to the boat leaning; I found myself snapping the boat left, right, left, making it worse until I consciously stopped moving. It's going to take some getting used to after the Intex Challenger and its flat bottom. And I know I'm going in the drink at some point... but some good tips here to put that day off a little longer.
I didn't feel that imbalance and I came from the same Intex... is your x500 a v1? I just got into mine and paddled off... Recently I used the Challenger K1 again and... man... I don't want to paddle that green goblin anymore... 🤣 x500 is too good...
@@TomKledecki There's a v2 label on the bag, so I assume that's what I've got. But I'm a fat bastard, so maybe having all that weight high up is the real problem ;) I know I'm going to love the X500 once I get used to it. So much faster, so much easier to go in a straight line... it's like night and day.
I have been terrified of flipping but paddled for 20 years regardless. Still can't re-enter or roll to save my life, still don't wear a skirt but like my more stable kayaks. It helps to paddle close to shore, wearing immersion gear, and wearing a PFD. I am still terrified as heck and stiff as a board. Best strategy of all it to paddle HARD and not stop. Helps the exercise value. As long as the paddle remains in the water it acts like a tripod. That and the boat moving at speed resists tipping as the moving water will push a leaning kayak back straight. Oh and don't go out on a windy day with waves, early morning/sunrise and the calm it brings is good; weather forecast is your best friend but be prepared!
I always followed the rule to put my spray skirt on while still on the beach. Keep an eye on the waves. Keep my paddle in the water. Brace with my knees. Point the kayak into the wave.
So, “loose hips DON’T sink ships…er…kayaks?” Ok. It needs work, I know. Just discovered your channel and am in the process of purchasing a rec kayak from a good friend. (A Sun Velocity Expedition. Older boat but in excellent shape). This marks a re-introduction to paddling for me after a (too) long hiatus. I was searching for some instructional vids on techniques to help improve tracking and stumbled on your channel. What a treasure trove of information! (you have a new sub btw) These balance and brace techniques will definitely be practiced, used and kept in my mental “toolbox”. Thank you so much and looking forward to learning more from your vids. Fair winds and following seas from Nova Scotia!
How about a general look at outriggers/stabilizers for kayaks? That would be interesting and informative. Paddling regular fishing kayaks in seashore areas can be challenging. And heavier fishing kayaks are harder to upright after capsizing.
Thanks, would love to hear more about boat setup. You don't hear too many people talk about hip pads. I have heard basically you want to just be able to squeeze your fingers between your hips and the side of the seat. I would love to hear someone explain hip pads, thigh brace and back rest and the positions of them. Kayak setup is something I am spending a lot of time figuring out at the moment.
It's a good question, and it really depends on the type of kayaking that you're doing, and how much you actually WANT to stay in the kayak if it starts flipping, or flips. For example, when I'm paddling a whitewater kayak or sea kayak in rough conditions, I want the kayak to fit like a good pair of trail running shoes - snug, but comfortable. That being said, it should never make it difficult to get out. On the flip side, if I'm paddling a touring kayak in mild conditions, but I still want to be able to edge my kayak comfortably, I just want the outfitting to prevent my butt from sliding back and forth. In both cases, I think it's a good rule of thumb to be able to comfortably push your fingers between your hip and the hip pads. Hip pads only do so much... they prevent your hips from sliding around. The thigh hooks are what lets you actively hold yourself in a kayak. I'd WAY prefer a kayak in rough conditions that had no hip pads, but solid thigh hooks that I could grab with my knees. Great idea for a future video!!
Thanks for your reply. I mainly do sea kayaking. I have been playing around looking for that comfortable position for rough water stability and long distance comfort. I am finding a tough time with thigh brace position, too far back, I get numb legs, too far forward, sore knees. Just using duct tape each time to find a sweet spot, then pedal distance changes it all again. I have tried a back brace, but now I wonder if I even want one, I mainly use my core to hold myself upright anyway, I don't think my back brace does anything. I really look forward to a video on it if you make one, it seems like a very complicated subject no one really deals with.
I used to run a kayaking group. One of the questions I would get is “what if I flip”? I would simply respond well then you get wet. I would then explain how easy it is to get out and that we would be right there to get them back in and on their way.
Just got a kayak of my own, cheap 2nd hand and old design 12'6". Should have sat in it before buying 😅. The cockpit is so short I have to sit on deck behind the seat and slide my legs in before dropping into the seat. This makes entry and exit very interesting when alongside a raised pontoon or portage point. Most on my local river (The Great Ouse in Bedfordshire UK)18"+ above the water level! When in the craft it's the most unstable thing I've ever been in, also paddling in a straight line was nigh on impossible. Took half an hour to cover a couple of hundred yards! I've solved the tracking issue by gluing on a small homemade skeg and a couple of longditudital runners to the rear 3rd of the hull. Having said all this it goes quite well, with extreme concentration to keep it upright. Being 23" wide and 10" deep at the widest and not having a flat hull, I'm wondering if it was purpose built for competition. I'm 63 and not paddled for probably 40+ years, if you're just getting into this hobby ensure you TRY BEFORE YOU BUY. Love watching and learning from these videos, just need to put the instructions into practice and find a suitable place and experienced paddlers to supervise planned capsizing. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m starting my journey through learning how to kayak in glacial waters. I’m starting with a lifetime kayak from Walmart. Starting in lakes in an effort to gain great film and limited swimming.🤭Appreciating your knowledge as I prepare for next year. ~Sheeara, Alaska
(I don’t normally comment on videos unless I think they are outstanding) this video is! I learned a lot from this as I am experimenting with a new Kayak here on Long Island Sound
Just turned 50 and looking to start kayaking in smaller lakes. So I’m watching all your vids so I’ll be more prepared. Now I just need to find a good starter kayak. Just can’t decide on sit in or sit on top.
Loving the channel (just found it). Thx. Please can you advise about rolling and stress on shoulders. I’m now 11:45 60 and learned to kayak in my teens. Love it. Since then kayaked on on off. Sadly dislocated my shoulder (10 years ago) once when doing vigorous brace/support stroke. Shoulder fine now, I swim and play tennis etc. BUT I’m afraid to try to learn to roll again as I fear I could dislocate my shoulder. What do you (or anyone) recommend? Many thanks.
The trouble with the roll is that if you do it wrong (try to muscle it), it can put your shoulder in a bad spot. But, if you learn to do it with the right technique, it actually puts very little pressure on the shoulder. I would recommend taking a rolling class so that you can learn with an experienced instructor - one-on-one.
Ken, great video as always. I am about to take out my foldable kayak onto the water next week. I purchased it in March of this year and I used to canoe back in my earlier days and had a lot of fun even flipping the canoe, 14 foot fibreglass, 2 seater. Now I'm 66 years of age and in good health. I hike, walk everyday, lift moderate weights, stretch everyday, and use an inversion table everyday. The kayak I have is a recreational one for sure. I live in northern Alberta and the ice has been off the lakes I plan to kayak for about a month. Flipping is a concern for me. I am a good swimmer but not a lover of cold water, lol. The techniques you showed in today's video, will they apply for a recreational kayak (31 inch wide) as well? I have been watching Paddle TV for sometime now and I've picked up on proper paddle techniques, entering and existing, steering etc. which I will use this year. This information is most valuable to me as I reintroduce myself to paddling on the water. Thanks so, so much for your expertise, I will use it. Take care and have a great summer. I plan too.
At 31 inches you will be hard pressed to flipp the kayak, so long as you don't go into white water or surf conditions. That said, the principles still apply. Even if flipping is unlikely, I would still reccomend you try out bracing, and even try to intentionally flipp, just for the sake of building confidence in your kayak. That confidence will make your time on the water much more plesant.
Hi Pat. Congrats on the new kayak and the return to paddling! Glad to hear the videos have been helpful! To answer your question, yes, the technique does apply to recreational kayaks as well - to a certain extent. Without hip pads and thigh hooks, it will only work to a limited degree... but it is still the only way to stop yourself from capsizing if you lose your balance. You just can't recover quite as much with recreational kayaks. Of course, the trade-off is that they're MUCH more stable to begin with!
Outside of whitewater, I don't recall ever needing to roll even out there in small craft advisories with 5 ft chop. I just have a pretty good brace. I haven't needed a high brace since i switched to Greenland style paddles. I still practice rolling my sea kayaks on hot days to cool off though.
Likewise... I rarely use the high brace. I think it's the result of TOW (time on water) and knowing when you're going to need a brace before you actually need it. The high brace is usually the result of a surprise.
I like to ease minds by encouraging people to have the mind set that being in the water from time to time is part of Kayaking, every once in a while we fall over just like in every other sport. People fall over when cycling, skiing, running, football etc etc. when we fall we get back back up. Kayaking is no different. I also prefer to not use the term rescue.
Love your stuff Ken. 10 out of 10 for those facial expressions, they're priceless. HA! Production values: amazing as always. Advice: Superb and confidence-inspiring, as always. When's that Oru review coming?
That was great! I fell out in the water on the beach a couple weeks ago. I had one leg in the water on the ground and tried to get the other one out on the ground but the silly kayak moved and then I was soaked. Learned a lot from that. I hope I never ever flip!
Then you might consider staying on land:) It is a water sport so expect to get wet... very wet. Just dress for the water temp and you'll be good. One guy I paddled with a few times couldn't stay upright even on flat water. We called him 'Flipper'. He had a beautiful kit-built kayak... a piece of art... but it was super unstable. I'm betting your boat is way better than his at not doing 180s.
@@learntechwithruth2147 Great! Just make sure that you have a back up plan in case you do take a dunk. If you aren't into rolling/self rescues, try to stay close enough to shore that you know you can make it. Eventually everyone tips over. Hope you have some prime places to take your boat. Peace.
My main concernes why i haven't started kayaking yet are actually the price of Pakayak's in Switzerland, since i don't have a car and use public transport. I looked at some inflatable ones, but the only one that looks like fun is the ititwit x500, but i'm already 115 kg myself and it has a maximum load of 125 kg. The other thing are my glasses. Don't know if they would hold if i do an eskimo-roll. But definitely not try it in a lake.
My favorite 'glove' for paddling is actually ponies. They're not quite as warm, but they let me keep my hand directly on the paddle. www.nrs.com/nrs-mamba-pogies/p66h
A quick question for anyone with more knowledge and experience than me, and please excuse my ignorance but, can hip pads and thigh hooks be retrofitted to a rec kayak that does not have them?
Some sit-inside rec kayaks can be retrofitted with hip pads, but custom carving mini-cell foam. They'll never do a great job though. I've never seen thigh hooks retrofitted on a rec kayak. Honestly, if you'd like a kayak with those features, you're better off selling your kayak and purchasing the right type of kayak. There are some great recreational/touring kayaks that offer a great compromise, like the FeelFree Aventura 125 - ua-cam.com/video/QC_LCFT0Hvw/v-deo.html. or the Dagger Stratos - ua-cam.com/video/ap2rrwud2Yk/v-deo.html And there are many more like these.
Whenever I see this title I think the opposite and, also, a different term really ought to be used. The term “flip” implies that the boat is either right side up or upside down. For most real kayaks, this is NOT the case. Really, it should be “how to roll your kayak.” In learning those techniques you really minimize your chances of “flipping.”
I hesitate to reply to this as I'm sure it will bring out the negative replies...but the short answer is "yes": you should always wear a PFD when kayaking. The long answer is: "it depends". There are always exceptions to the rule above, such as when you are paddling in calm, warm water, close to shore with plenty of people around to help if something were to go wrong (assuming they are willing to help and not just pull out their cellphones to film your plight) and you are paddling within your limits. But - depending on where you are - the water can be much, much colder than the outside air temperature, and the shock of hitting that water (unexpectedly) could literally take your breath away. A PFD (along with proper immersion wear in those circumstances) will give you the time to catch your breath. Waves and currents factor into this as well, as they make it harder than swimming in calm water. Distance from shore is another: in a kayak, it is easy to travel distances that are not possible for most people to swim. It is all about risk assessment and making the right decision based on that assessment. Having a good understanding of the risks where you paddle is probably the most important soft skill a paddler can have. The ability to assess those risks correctly is probably the second-most important soft skill. Of course, the other short answer is: "its a free country, do whatever you want as long as you're not risking someone else's life." 😆
I’m new to kayaking, but can swim. I bring a PFD with me and just stuff it between my legs. I have a sea kayak and paddle in the Bali sea, so the water is warm. The PFD I guess is in case I’m far from shore and for some reason flip and then can’t get back in or to help me get back in. Not yet had enough practice getting back in when in deep water.
@@cber5077 I’m not familiar with paddling in the Bali Sea, but while you’re practicing getting back into your kayak, also practice putting your pfd on while you are in the water. Its harder than it sounds.
Sorry, in low braces the elbow must be right over the paddle. The way of making braces shown in video is not well working. The strenght is behind the elbow.
Check out my new UA-cam channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
Just bought my first Kayak and these videos have been a huge reason why i finally pulled the trigger on starting my paddling journey. Thanks Ken. Tom in the U.K
Paddling is what we do between involuntary swimming sessions. Your point about bracing versus rolling is right on. As we become elderly paddlers, maintaining enough flexibility to roll is tough and rolling frequently flairs the arthritis in my back and neck. So, well done.
So true! Speaking of which... I'm due. :)
that may not fit with your type of kayaking (if it's WW I mean), but there are gentle ways of rolling which require no effort, check the traditional Greenland back roll for instance
@@coriolanchassaing4887 Exactly. Some rolls are like rolling out of bed (other than getting wet). Kayakers should embrace the flip. Maintaining core strength and having a basic stretch program will work wonders for kayaking and life in general.
@@PaddleTV
flipped over today in a sit on top kayak and realize how many mistakes I made. I never heard these tips either before and I plan to use them next time. Good content.
Cheers!
Your opening statement is so very true - we've lost count of the number of people who've expressed a fear of capsizing to us, and we know we had those same feelings ourselves when starting out too. Your video is perfect for giving people the tools and knowledge they need to ease those worries and get out there! Glad you saved those snazzy sunglasses, too! haha.
My husband and I just purchased two Sea Eagle 393RL’s and I love any kind of boating, paddling, rowing etc. On our first journey into our nearby lake I was about 50 ft offshore when I heard splash, there was my husband flipped over in one foot of water. I couldn’t stop laughing, although I felt for him. He’s not a boater and will be 80 this summer. He was a good sport about it though. We’re looking forward to lots of kayaking this summer, not in whitewater though. Ken we watch lots and lots of your videos and you’re so interesting and fun too. Keep them going and keep smiling, we love you!!! Tyke and Fred from outside St. Louis, Mo
That's awesome Tyke! Congrats on the new boats. Glad to hear you got to enjoy Fred's misfortune. :) I am DEFINITELY guilty of laughing out loud at people's paddling misfortunes. :) Thanks to both of you! Hope to see you in the St Louis area one day... because I'll definitely be back!
I’m so happy that the videos are coming out every two days recently!
Another great video Ken. My kayak of choice to paddle 90 percent of the time is my cedar strip Guillemot Single touring kayak. I built it about 21 yrs ago. It is 21" wide and 17' long. Anytime I teach a new person how to paddle I show them on dry land how to get in and out . Then I teach them how to rock their hips side to side while keeping their torso upright . I stand in the water beside them for safety. Then I have them flip the kayak and make a wet exit. Usually any fear they have of flipping is gone within minutes. I find most people's fear is turning turtle and getting trapped in the kayak and drowning. I always have on my PFD and require anyone with me to wear theirs also . Most of my paddling is done on lakes or mild rivers not white water. I have only flipped unintentionally once in 29 yrs of kayaking because I stay fluid or limber in my kayak. I have paddled in the ocean with waves over six feet and even had my kayak mostly under water at one time. I have never feared for my life. This is why I love your videos so much. You point out the dangers but back it up with good sound techniques and defuse unnecessary fears. I believe like you that allot of people miss out because of misguided fear of the unknown. I believe most people are at allot higher risk just driving to work and home everyday. Thanks again Ken.
Wow... 21 year old cedar strip touring kayak. That's awesome. I totally agree with your approach... getting people to do a wet exit first is such a great idea. It removes one of the biggest fears people have right out of the gate. Thanks for the kind words Danny!
I recently learned to do a wet exit in one of my first formal lessons in the Puget Sound, with water is still around 50 degrees. I was nervous about the cold water in particular, since I know I have a tendency to hyperventilate when cold. Practicing flipping in such cold water immediately removed my fear, and while I did hyperventilate, I was aware of it and slowed my breathing down as soon as I surfaced so I could remain level-headed. I plan on practicing regularly so if I unintentionally flip, it's no big deal. Of course you should try not to flip, but I think it's also important to not be afraid to.
So.… “loose hips saves ships?” 😂
my wife and I were watching the video and she just came out with that!
Love your videos
I actually got to practice that a few weeks ago. Novice paddler, older, out of shape lady, fearful……. We went on a river tour and the last part was through “slow zones”……that weren’t (if you know what I mean). When the first wake hit me, OMG! But I remembered to relax and go with it - I should have been a hula dancer…..not. But it saved me and gave me so much more confidence (while I cursed the speeding boaters 🫣).
I just finished my first level sea kayaking class and you summed up a lot of what we covered. Now I’m hooked and want more! Great content!
Thanks, and congrats on finishing the course. Your journey has only begun!
The bracing stroke is such a complex and bewildering set of motions that all need to fire off in a prescribed sequence and it’s hard to make sense of how it even works, but this video describes it perfectly, creating that light bulb moment for the rest of us without the need to do 50 rolls beforehand. Thanks for the fantastic tutorial!
Long time Oregon coastal paddler here. Super clear instruction, though I have a small difference in perspective. Keeping one's head centered - critically important. But I view the braces to be fluid and incorporated into other strokes, mostly the forward stroke and done early, before one is already half over. I am a high cadence paddler and my go to technique is to use the back end of the forward stroke to blend into a low brace by simply rotating the blade a bit to flatten it on the surface by delaying the exit, which with forward momentum gives enough support to put my entire weight onto the blade, if desired. Using this technique I have a brace available every half second or so and use it before I actually need it in most cases.
If I need more, then I use the same technique but cut my stroke short and slap the water, same motion, just done early and forcefully. Also, a hard plant gives decent support without delaying my propulsion, as in catching a wind wave when even a quick brace means missing the wave. Learning to use an aggressive plant when wobbling a bit in my surfski has helped tremendously.
There are times when one needs a straight up classic brace, such as in surf, but I much prefer using half measures early and often, if needed, in a continuum between no brace and full on serious brace.
Great explanation of the brace 👍. I'm going to practice that as a paddle skill. I'm conscious that I'm fine straight-up paddling and using canoe strokes but apart from that I tend to keep my paddle out of the water because I'm nervous about accidentally unbalancing myself.
The first advice can be reworked as; practising shifting your weight between your individual buttocks, as if sitting on a stool. You still keep your head and body upright, and you feel the positive motion you make with your pelvis/hips to shift buttock (obviously starting with your weight equally between buttocks ;-).
Once you get confident with the small weight shifts, you will then begin to feel how your other thigh and knee start to positively engage with the boats thigh brace, while still staying up right.
The thing most people do 'wrong' when starting out is they lean their whole body (as if still on dry land, leveraging the far side of the boat), so having that focus shift from a head motion (for the lean) to the hip tilt motion for the edging of the boat is a big help to real beginners, noting that those of us who have begun instructing left this behind years ago, and don't even remember how it was an issue.
my 'yak is narrow enough I can roll to the side (decent secondary), and slap that rascal to bounce back up. I'm not doing it right, but, I find that the logic of what you said in this video is very relatable, because I've pushed myself back up a handful of times, keeping head up at 90* is key (true on motorcycles, too), and movin' them hips is one of the best things I've found to stop floundering, and right myself. However, one thing I've noticed that's maybe different, or just a different way of experiencing the same thing...not sure, yet. But, lets say I'm listing to starboard... you mentioned "pulling" up with the lower ("starboard" in this case) leg; I find that slamming my hips the opposite way helps...in a sense, i'm shoving my kayak under my leaning upper body. I *think* I'm pulling up with my right leg, as I'm shoving my body+kayak with my left hip in opposite directions. Twisting in a sense. I hope no one walks in right now, I'm trying to test the motion in an office chair...."No sir, I'm fine...I don't need medical assistance, I was just practicing a kayak maneuver....No sir, there's not much water in the server room. Yes, sir, that's a good thing...." Yeah, I'll wait til I get home....
Tight hips sink ships!!
I learnt to brace mostly by being on the sea and trying to paddle fast to catch waves. Often got a bit unstable and bracing sort of came as part of it. Agree that learning to roll makes it a lot easier, and it will make you totally unafraid of actually going in. You will be able to try to see how far you can go and still use a brace to stop rolling completely.
Often the best way to keep the boat stable is to keep paddling, each time you put the blade in it is giving you some support. If you stop paddling then you have nothing other than your core strength to try to keep the boat upright.
Fantastic tips, I am going to the lake and start practicing until it becomes a fun and I lose all fear. Cheers!
Aaaah... I see what I've been doing wrong now - or not doing! Thank you! Look at paddle, knee lift and hip shift.
Ken’s teaching of techniques is always so clear and helpful. Another good paddle technique that I use, both when pausing for a mid-lake break and especially when climbing out of my kayak in shallow water, is to really extend my paddle far out to the side, keeping it shallow like a pontoon, holding it with one hand. Just remember to look at the paddle, as in Ken ‘s low brace demo. When pausing mid-lake I extend my paddle from a position in front of me; when exiting my kayak, I extend it from a position behind me, again using one hand to hold. Especially important to keep eyes on the pontoon paddle when exiting.
Hilarious facial expressions, Ken! Laughed out loud many times. Silly...and smart. Great tips too.
Hello!!! I am a beginner kayaker planning to take a lesson but I’ve done tandem with hubby even though I was so scared!!!! I am a non swimmer but I really enjoy kayaking!!! Can’t wait to learn more!!
Welcome to the world of paddling! Enjoy.
Great video! I'm guessing that you learned to roll first with the C to C roll. The whole slapping the water idea for bracing may come from that. I usually need a brace most when I'm on a wave and another wave messes that wave up. I think because I learned sweeping braces from Greenland paddling I use them all the time. So for a low brace I sweep forward and for a high brace I sweep back. And some times when the wave is really too big I stay swept back laying in the water until things are more reasonable and then I sweep up to get upright again. Mind you I'm not very good at this so swims in the surf are part of the day. Thanks!
Thank you for these good tips. Especially the one on bracing.
I’d argue that a high or low brace should be one of the first three strokes to learn for new paddlers.
I agree.. I would’ve loved to have known about Low/high brace before I started paddling
Have to agree about brace, actually it is one of the first 5 we teach
I'm with Ken, learn to roll first. One of the biggest confidence boost I ever had. Took my paddling to a whole nother level!
I enjoyed the review and have paddled most of the New River's North and South forks from near the headwaters to Fries, Va. I have a Perception Carolina 12 and it does very well in 95% of the river.
Nice! I'm looking forward to trying the Carolina. Looks like a nice touring kayak!
I love watching these just for Ken's expressions!
Finally got my new Itiwit X500 on the water last week, and had to resort to the brace a couple of times. If anything, I think my hips are reacting too strongly to the boat leaning; I found myself snapping the boat left, right, left, making it worse until I consciously stopped moving. It's going to take some getting used to after the Intex Challenger and its flat bottom. And I know I'm going in the drink at some point... but some good tips here to put that day off a little longer.
I didn't feel that imbalance and I came from the same Intex... is your x500 a v1? I just got into mine and paddled off... Recently I used the Challenger K1 again and... man... I don't want to paddle that green goblin anymore... 🤣 x500 is too good...
Can't wait to try that kayak! Lots of people have been asking about it! Happy Paddling with your new toy!
@@TomKledecki There's a v2 label on the bag, so I assume that's what I've got. But I'm a fat bastard, so maybe having all that weight high up is the real problem ;) I know I'm going to love the X500 once I get used to it. So much faster, so much easier to go in a straight line... it's like night and day.
I have been terrified of flipping but paddled for 20 years regardless. Still can't re-enter or roll to save my life, still don't wear a skirt but like my more stable kayaks. It helps to paddle close to shore, wearing immersion gear, and wearing a PFD. I am still terrified as heck and stiff as a board. Best strategy of all it to paddle HARD and not stop. Helps the exercise value. As long as the paddle remains in the water it acts like a tripod. That and the boat moving at speed resists tipping as the moving water will push a leaning kayak back straight. Oh and don't go out on a windy day with waves, early morning/sunrise and the calm it brings is good; weather forecast is your best friend but be prepared!
Enjoyed narrator, kept things moving & informative thanks!
I always followed the rule to put my spray skirt on while still on the beach.
Keep an eye on the waves.
Keep my paddle in the water.
Brace with my knees.
Point the kayak into the wave.
So, “loose hips DON’T sink ships…er…kayaks?” Ok. It needs work, I know.
Just discovered your channel and am in the process of purchasing a rec kayak from a good friend. (A Sun Velocity Expedition. Older boat but in excellent shape). This marks a re-introduction to paddling for me after a (too) long hiatus. I was searching for some instructional vids on techniques to help improve tracking and stumbled on your channel. What a treasure trove of information! (you have a new sub btw) These balance and brace techniques will definitely be practiced, used and kept in my mental “toolbox”. Thank you so much and looking forward to learning more from your vids. Fair winds and following seas from Nova Scotia!
Hello from Ontario! Great to hear you're stepping back into the world of kayaking! Glad I could help!
Really good instruction - very clear and logical. Thanks for the post!
Glad it was helpful!
How about a general look at outriggers/stabilizers for kayaks? That would be interesting and informative. Paddling regular fishing kayaks in seashore areas can be challenging. And heavier fishing kayaks are harder to upright after capsizing.
Thanks, would love to hear more about boat setup. You don't hear too many people talk about hip pads. I have heard basically you want to just be able to squeeze your fingers between your hips and the side of the seat. I would love to hear someone explain hip pads, thigh brace and back rest and the positions of them. Kayak setup is something I am spending a lot of time figuring out at the moment.
It's a good question, and it really depends on the type of kayaking that you're doing, and how much you actually WANT to stay in the kayak if it starts flipping, or flips. For example, when I'm paddling a whitewater kayak or sea kayak in rough conditions, I want the kayak to fit like a good pair of trail running shoes - snug, but comfortable. That being said, it should never make it difficult to get out. On the flip side, if I'm paddling a touring kayak in mild conditions, but I still want to be able to edge my kayak comfortably, I just want the outfitting to prevent my butt from sliding back and forth. In both cases, I think it's a good rule of thumb to be able to comfortably push your fingers between your hip and the hip pads. Hip pads only do so much... they prevent your hips from sliding around. The thigh hooks are what lets you actively hold yourself in a kayak. I'd WAY prefer a kayak in rough conditions that had no hip pads, but solid thigh hooks that I could grab with my knees. Great idea for a future video!!
Thanks for your reply. I mainly do sea kayaking. I have been playing around looking for that comfortable position for rough water stability and long distance comfort. I am finding a tough time with thigh brace position, too far back, I get numb legs, too far forward, sore knees. Just using duct tape each time to find a sweet spot, then pedal distance changes it all again. I have tried a back brace, but now I wonder if I even want one, I mainly use my core to hold myself upright anyway, I don't think my back brace does anything. I really look forward to a video on it if you make one, it seems like a very complicated subject no one really deals with.
I used to run a kayaking group. One of the questions I would get is “what if I flip”? I would simply respond well then you get wet. I would then explain how easy it is to get out and that we would be right there to get them back in and on their way.
Just got a kayak of my own, cheap 2nd hand and old design 12'6". Should have sat in it before buying 😅. The cockpit is so short I have to sit on deck behind the seat and slide my legs in before dropping into the seat. This makes entry and exit very interesting when alongside a raised pontoon or portage point. Most on my local river (The Great Ouse in Bedfordshire UK)18"+ above the water level!
When in the craft it's the most unstable thing I've ever been in, also paddling in a straight line was nigh on impossible. Took half an hour to cover a couple of hundred yards! I've solved the tracking issue by gluing on a small homemade skeg and a couple of longditudital runners to the rear 3rd of the hull.
Having said all this it goes quite well, with extreme concentration to keep it upright. Being 23" wide and 10" deep at the widest and not having a flat hull, I'm wondering if it was purpose built for competition.
I'm 63 and not paddled for probably 40+ years, if you're just getting into this hobby ensure you TRY BEFORE YOU BUY.
Love watching and learning from these videos, just need to put the instructions into practice and find a suitable place and experienced paddlers to supervise planned capsizing.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m starting my journey through learning how to kayak in glacial waters. I’m starting with a lifetime kayak from Walmart. Starting in lakes in an effort to gain great film and limited swimming.🤭Appreciating your knowledge as I prepare for next year. ~Sheeara, Alaska
Great to hear you've started down the path of paddling! Sheltered lakes are definitely a great place to start. Enjoy!
Thanks Ken!! The water is still cold here in the San Francisco Bay Area too, lol. I’m okay with flipping but I’m so ready to ditch the drysuit!
I hear you! Water is warming up quick here now! On the downside... the bugs are now out!
Excellent video! Thank you for all your shared knowledge.
Another video added to my kayak technique playlist, thanks Ken
Graeme
(I don’t normally comment on videos unless I think they are outstanding) this video is!
I learned a lot from this as I am experimenting with a new Kayak here on Long Island Sound
Great filming with clear audio, demonstration and instruction. I’m also curious about the new P&H Leo. Thanks for all of your insights.
Thanks Eric! Did you see the review video I did on the Leo? It might answer some of your questions.
Just turned 50 and looking to start kayaking in smaller lakes. So I’m watching all your vids so I’ll be more prepared. Now I just need to find a good starter kayak. Just can’t decide on sit in or sit on top.
Welcome to the world of paddling! Here's a video that I did to help answer your question. Hope it helps! ua-cam.com/video/bpEepluDbhc/v-deo.html
Loving the channel (just found it). Thx. Please can you advise about rolling and stress on shoulders. I’m now 11:45 60 and learned to kayak in my teens. Love it. Since then kayaked on on off. Sadly dislocated my shoulder (10 years ago) once when doing vigorous brace/support stroke. Shoulder fine now, I swim and play tennis etc. BUT I’m afraid to try to learn to roll again as I fear I could dislocate my shoulder. What do you (or anyone) recommend? Many thanks.
The trouble with the roll is that if you do it wrong (try to muscle it), it can put your shoulder in a bad spot. But, if you learn to do it with the right technique, it actually puts very little pressure on the shoulder. I would recommend taking a rolling class so that you can learn with an experienced instructor - one-on-one.
@@PaddleTV many thanks indeed for your feedback. I’ll get searching for that experienced instructor:)
Ken, great video as always. I am about to take out my foldable kayak onto the water next week. I purchased it in March of this year and I used to canoe back in my earlier days and had a lot of fun even flipping the canoe, 14 foot fibreglass, 2 seater. Now I'm 66 years of age and in good health. I hike, walk everyday, lift moderate weights, stretch everyday, and use an inversion table everyday. The kayak I have is a recreational one for sure. I live in northern Alberta and the ice has been off the lakes I plan to kayak for about a month. Flipping is a concern for me. I am a good swimmer but not a lover of cold water, lol. The techniques you showed in today's video, will they apply for a recreational kayak (31 inch wide) as well? I have been watching Paddle TV for sometime now and I've picked up on proper paddle techniques, entering and existing, steering etc. which I will use this year. This information is most valuable to me as I reintroduce myself to paddling on the water. Thanks so, so much for your expertise, I will use it. Take care and have a great summer. I plan too.
At 31 inches you will be hard pressed to flipp the kayak, so long as you don't go into white water or surf conditions. That said, the principles still apply. Even if flipping is unlikely, I would still reccomend you try out bracing, and even try to intentionally flipp, just for the sake of building confidence in your kayak. That confidence will make your time on the water much more plesant.
Hi Pat. Congrats on the new kayak and the return to paddling! Glad to hear the videos have been helpful! To answer your question, yes, the technique does apply to recreational kayaks as well - to a certain extent. Without hip pads and thigh hooks, it will only work to a limited degree... but it is still the only way to stop yourself from capsizing if you lose your balance. You just can't recover quite as much with recreational kayaks. Of course, the trade-off is that they're MUCH more stable to begin with!
Outside of whitewater, I don't recall ever needing to roll even out there in small craft advisories with 5 ft chop. I just have a pretty good brace. I haven't needed a high brace since i switched to Greenland style paddles.
I still practice rolling my sea kayaks on hot days to cool off though.
Likewise... I rarely use the high brace. I think it's the result of TOW (time on water) and knowing when you're going to need a brace before you actually need it. The high brace is usually the result of a surprise.
@@PaddleTV I hear ya. A 29 inch wide whitewater boat used to feel tippy. Now my 22 inch sea kayak feels fine.
I like to ease minds by encouraging people to have the mind set that being in the water from time to time is part of Kayaking, every once in a while we fall over just like in every other sport. People fall over when cycling, skiing, running, football etc etc. when we fall we get back back up. Kayaking is no different. I also prefer to not use the term rescue.
Flippin' awesome, Ken! 🙃 Thank you for this video. It stands out from other similar vids, you present everything very clearly and in enough detail.👍
Thanks Tom! My pleasure!
Love to see more SOT techniques.
Good information. Keep this type of video coming.
More to come! :)
Thank you, so very informative!
Cheers!
excellent video and very informative
That was amazing Ken. Thank You.
Cheers!
PaddleTV: Loose hips, great tips. New slogan?
Love your stuff Ken. 10 out of 10 for those facial expressions, they're priceless. HA! Production values: amazing as always. Advice: Superb and confidence-inspiring, as always. When's that Oru review coming?
Another great video. Thanks!
What a brilliant tip thank you 😊
You are so welcome!
loose hips sink ships? oh wait that's something else. Love the video, thanks for the tips! :)
That was great! I fell out in the water on the beach a couple weeks ago. I had one leg in the water on the ground and tried to get the other one out on the ground but the silly kayak moved and then I was soaked. Learned a lot from that. I hope I never ever flip!
Ha! I'm sorry for laughing... but it's a great picture you just painted. :). I hope that's the closest you come to a swim this season!
Then you might consider staying on land:) It is a water sport so expect to get wet... very wet. Just dress for the water temp and you'll be good. One guy I paddled with a few times couldn't stay upright even on flat water. We called him 'Flipper'. He had a beautiful kit-built kayak... a piece of art... but it was super unstable. I'm betting your boat is way better than his at not doing 180s.
@@ByronWalter I’m not staying on land! Kayaking is the best thing that I ever started doing. The boat is very stable. No worries there.
@@learntechwithruth2147 Great! Just make sure that you have a back up plan in case you do take a dunk. If you aren't into rolling/self rescues, try to stay close enough to shore that you know you can make it. Eventually everyone tips over. Hope you have some prime places to take your boat. Peace.
@@ByronWalter we stay close to shore at all times. No worries.
My main concernes why i haven't started kayaking yet are actually the price of Pakayak's in Switzerland, since i don't have a car and use public transport. I looked at some inflatable ones, but the only one that looks like fun is the ititwit x500, but i'm already 115 kg myself and it has a maximum load of 125 kg.
The other thing are my glasses. Don't know if they would hold if i do an eskimo-roll. But definitely not try it in a lake.
nice video bro
Great video as always
Appreciate that
That's a cool deck bag you have.
It is! Gearlab Outdoors Deckpod. Here's a link - bit.ly/3Eee4hb
Fantastic video.
Can you review Super Kayak?
Hey what kind of gloves do you use in the colder seasons?
My favorite 'glove' for paddling is actually ponies. They're not quite as warm, but they let me keep my hand directly on the paddle. www.nrs.com/nrs-mamba-pogies/p66h
Hello, do you showcase any products on yout Channel? If so, how do you go about that?
Meh…I'm just gonna wing it.
(Totally kidding! Thanks for the great videos, Ken. Your delivery is fantastic and makes the learning fun.)
Thanks Alana! :)
I had fun practicing bracing a few weeks ago but I'm sure anyone watching must have thought I was nuts! 😀
We got strange looks teaching our children self rescue too but these are all important skills
lol that face at 7:09 is priceless
Ok Ken, it's time to break out the Greenland people and show us your side skull, balance brace and butterfly roll 🧐
Awesome!
A quick question for anyone with more knowledge and experience than me, and please excuse my ignorance but, can hip pads and thigh hooks be retrofitted to a rec kayak that does not have them?
Some sit-inside rec kayaks can be retrofitted with hip pads, but custom carving mini-cell foam. They'll never do a great job though. I've never seen thigh hooks retrofitted on a rec kayak. Honestly, if you'd like a kayak with those features, you're better off selling your kayak and purchasing the right type of kayak. There are some great recreational/touring kayaks that offer a great compromise, like the FeelFree Aventura 125 - ua-cam.com/video/QC_LCFT0Hvw/v-deo.html. or the Dagger Stratos - ua-cam.com/video/ap2rrwud2Yk/v-deo.html
And there are many more like these.
Great!
Well u actually can’t avoid tipping during rapids when there all over and u keep getting stuck on em
Loose hips, saves ships!
Whenever I see this title I think the opposite and, also, a different term really ought to be used. The term “flip” implies that the boat is either right side up or upside down. For most real kayaks, this is NOT the case. Really, it should be “how to roll your kayak.” In learning those techniques you really minimize your chances of “flipping.”
A play on the old WW2 saying "Loose lips sink ships."
Loose hips don't sink ships. 🙃
:). Indeed!
Do we still need a life vest if we're good swimmers?
I hesitate to reply to this as I'm sure it will bring out the negative replies...but the short answer is "yes": you should always wear a PFD when kayaking.
The long answer is: "it depends". There are always exceptions to the rule above, such as when you are paddling in calm, warm water, close to shore with plenty of people around to help if something were to go wrong (assuming they are willing to help and not just pull out their cellphones to film your plight) and you are paddling within your limits. But - depending on where you are - the water can be much, much colder than the outside air temperature, and the shock of hitting that water (unexpectedly) could literally take your breath away. A PFD (along with proper immersion wear in those circumstances) will give you the time to catch your breath. Waves and currents factor into this as well, as they make it harder than swimming in calm water. Distance from shore is another: in a kayak, it is easy to travel distances that are not possible for most people to swim. It is all about risk assessment and making the right decision based on that assessment.
Having a good understanding of the risks where you paddle is probably the most important soft skill a paddler can have. The ability to assess those risks correctly is probably the second-most important soft skill.
Of course, the other short answer is: "its a free country, do whatever you want as long as you're not risking someone else's life." 😆
@@jamesiversen Excellent answer. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
I’m new to kayaking, but can swim. I bring a PFD with me and just stuff it between my legs. I have a sea kayak and paddle in the Bali sea, so the water is warm. The PFD I guess is in case I’m far from shore and for some reason flip and then can’t get back in or to help me get back in. Not yet had enough practice getting back in when in deep water.
@@cber5077 I’m not familiar with paddling in the Bali Sea, but while you’re practicing getting back into your kayak, also practice putting your pfd on while you are in the water. Its harder than it sounds.
Bravo 👏 👏 👏 👏
I need a T-shirt that says "Loose hips don't sink ships".
👍 👍
Teach roll?
Sorry, in low braces the elbow must be right over the paddle. The way of making braces shown in video is not well working. The strenght is behind the elbow.
So, lose hips don't sink ships?😂
Send me the sentence
Loose hips don't sink ships, loose lips do. *For all the boomers out there...
I want to kayak but am concerned with alligators.
Loose hips don't sink ships.
Take your FREE online ACA Paddlesports safety course here: americancanoe.org/paddlesports-online-course/
You're not dunm
One way to avoid that: Don't get into one !
Excellent instructional words and demos. One please…can you please stop point your finger at the camera…ergo…me.
Ha! OMG... That will take some serious concentration to do. But I will try to do so for you Josephine! :)
Talks too much. Economize.
Thanks, Ken. That was really helpful. 👍🙂🛶