Welcome to Maxx Adventure Travel
Kayak Safety Gear Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Kayak Safety Gear. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
How to Slalom Whitewater Surfing Kayak
from: Maxx Adventure TravelIn late 1940s Slalom became America's favorite canoeing sport. Since then slalom is now one of the most challenging kayaker and canoeist sport most favorable to man. During an event, a kayaker's ability to handle a vessel is tested beyond normal kayaking sports.
How it works:
Slalom whitewater surfing is a zigzag race where competitors follow a winding course while zigzagging through obstacles. Generally, the kayaker must race through an 800 gauge course to complete slalom requirements. In the event, the kayakers are stressing turbulent and agitated whitewaters until the finish line.
Wild water events generally include flags and poles, whereas the kayaker must pass through each object without hitting the poles or flags. In whitewater surfing, your can generally complete an 800 gauge run in five minutes . In slalom whitewater surfing the kayaker must pass through gates, which are set up to make the kayaker's trip a bit more adventurous. The gates also mark the path kayakers are expected to take in slalom whitewater surfing.
If a kayaker fails to meet gate requirements, he receives a penalty per each gate he fails to negotiate properly. Time is against the kayaker in this sporting event, and with each gate penalty point, he loses more time. International competitors are often disqualified if the kayak touches a gate.
The poles or gates are marked. Some of the gates have variant colors, and more points are subtracted if you touch the gate. At the start of the competition, the kayakers are timed.
Today, Singles Kayak K-1 replaces the older version, which took place in 1965 (F-1). In current competitions, all single kayaks qualify for competition, yet the boat must measure 13.12 feet. The beam must be at least 23.6 inches, or short of two feet to qualify for the competitions.
How do I choose paddles for slalom whitewater surfing?
You can choose a paddle based on your liking, however purchasing the best available is advisable if you intend to win at whitewater competitions. Many kayakers choose double bladed paddles.
What about seating?
You should fit snugly in the seat of your kayak. If you're loose, you'll slide, scoot, and possibly slip from the boat. Snug seating will also help you to focus on kayaking, rather than stressing over the problems of seats. You'll also want to sit low in the seat to ensure stability. You can purchase hip pads that provide you additional support.
Do I need knee pads?
Yes, you definitely need knee grips to provide you extra support and control, especially when you lean forward in the kayak.
Will I need a footrest?
Yes. You need adjustable footrests so you can use the foot during paddling.
How do I decide what clothing to wear?
For clothing, think practicality, safety, waterproof, warmth, and movement.
Do I need a hat?
Yes, but you'll need a crash helmet. Why do you think they outlaw motorcycles in most states without the usage of helmets? The head is at high risk of injury and/or fatality during slalom whitewater surfing. You should consider a helmet that offers added padding to promote safety.
Should I wear a lifejacket?
Yes, if you have any sense you'll wear a lifejacket as well as a spray skirt, and use proper paddles for slalom whitewater kayaking. Lifejacket rules state that you must wear a lifejacket with minimal buoyancy of 13.2 pounds. You may want to check with the judges for updates on lifejacket buoyancy weight.
Kayak Safety Gear News
Chesapeake, VA Parks And Recreation Announces KayaXpedition Event June 9 – 10
Chesapeake, VA Parks and Recreation announced today the schedule of events for KayaXpedition, a two-day event with competitive and fun paddle races, basic and technical skill demonstrations, safety tips and guided kayak tours exploring the city’s secluded waterways
Read more...Boating safety should start before hitting water
Fort Rucker, Ala. — Whether you’re fishing, swimming, tubing or just cruising along taking in the scenery, spending a day on the water is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. For the uninitiated or unprepared, however, the water can be deadly.
Read more...Paddling through Maine's islands on nature's schedule
A kayak offers views of eagles and ospreys, seals and jellyfish, but for a multi-day camping trip on rocky islands, proper preparation is essential.
Read more...Daredevil kayakers paddle up to precipice of Victoria Falls... just to get a better look
Adventurers Steve Fisher, 37, Dale Jardine, 33, both from South Africa, and Sam Drevo, 33, from the U.S., paddled up to the lip of the mile-wide Victoria Falls - the largest waterfall in the world.
Read more...Daredevil kayakers paddle up to the precipice of the Victoria Falls... just to get a better look
Adventurers Steve Fisher, 37, Dale Jardine, 33, both from South Africa, and Sam Drevo, 33, from the U.S., paddled up to the lip of the mile-wide Victoria Falls - the largest waterfall in the world.
Read more...Editorial: Tragedy can strike at any time on the water
A Middle Island family with a part-time North Fork residence experienced an unthinkable tragedy Sunday when 14-year-old Dominic Trionfo died in a Jet Ski accident on Peconic Bay. It started out as a day of family togetherness on Dominic’s grandfather’s boat — a day Dominic had been looking forward to for a while. The teen [...]
Read more...