Canoeing

and
Kayaking
Kayaking and canoeing both require a paddle for
propulsion and steering

Both boats, were constructed and used for the

day to day economic needs.

The canoe for transporting goods and people

Kayak for hunting marine life.

Kayak
Has a covered deck
Kayakers extend legs and are seated low
or sometimes on the deck]it uses a
double-bladed paddle
Kayaks or “qajak” meaning “man’s boat”
or “hunter’s boat” originated from the
Inuit and Aleut tribes of Arctic North
America.
The early kayaks were very individualized as
each kayak was crafted by the user, basing
the measurements to the frame of his body
and not on any standard.

Building the kayak was also a joint effort of

the man and his wife. the man builds the
frame from wood or from whalebone
skeleton and it was the wife’s job to stitch the
seal skin used to cover the frame.
Whale fats were used to waterproof the boat.

To improve the buoyancy, the natives placed

air-filled bladder of the seal in the vessel.

The oldest existing kayaks are exhibited in

North America Department of State Museum
of Ethnology in Munich.
Canoe
The word “canoe” originated from the Carib
word “kenu” meant “dogout”.
Canoes were originally made from large tree
trunks
The trunks were dried for months , and then
the middle part was burned. The burned part
was scraped away with shells
The whole process took “one moon” or 28
days.
The more well-known version of the canoe
was introduced by the North American
Indians where the frame was built from
wooden ribs.
 the frame was covered with the lightweight
bark of birch trees and sometimes elm or
cedar trees.
the oldest known canoe, Pesse Canoe,
believed to be constructed between 8200 and
7600 B.C. was found in the Netherlands
Parts of Kayak
Basic Parts of Kayak
Deck---------- top half of the kayak
Footbrace---- found inside where feet rest
Hatch----- Covering on the deck where food
and gear can be stored
Cockpit--opening in the kayak’s deck where the
paddler sits. It can be covered with a spray kit or
waterproof kilt that is placed around the waist
then slip over the cockpit’s rim or coaming.
Hull----bottom half of the kayak
Part of Canoe
Basic Part of Canoe
Yoke
- a beam in the center of a canoe that allows
the canoe to rest on a person’s shoulder when
portaging.
Stern
- rear end
Gunwale
- acts as structural support and it defines
shape of boats
Bow
- front part
Thwart
- crossbars reinforcing the canoe and
prevents sides from pulling apart under load
Seat
- for paddler at the bow part (if in
tandem)
Boat Profile
Characteristics Descriptions
Length
 Longer boats are faster and move on a straight line.
The distance from They can also can carry more people. However these
the tip of the stern to are not easy to manuever.
the tip of the bow
 Shorter boats are easier to manuever and
comparatively lighter and easier to handle.

 Longer boats are best when touring and cruising the

open water. A shorter kayak would be a better choice
for smaller lakes and rivers.
Characteristics Description
Beam
 Generally, the wider the boat the more stable it is.
The width of the However narrow kayaks or canoe may be faster but less
boat and is measured stable.
at the widest part of
the canoe or kayak  A narrower kayak or canoe is more suitable for those
who want to travel a greater distance since it has speed.
A wider boat is suitable for bird- watching, fishing or
photography.
CHARACTERISTICS DESCRIPTION

Bottom Shape

1. Flat
 This design has good stability in clam waters. However the
characteristics of this boat provide the easy turning (boat
spin) in rougher water such as white waters.

2. Round
 This designed for speed and efficiency. One may feel a little
shaky when one steps in it. But with experience, one will
feel that a round shape will give the stability in most waters
and it is actually easier to propel through the water. The
trade-off however is balancing the boat in an upright
position.

3. Vee
 This boat is in between the flat and round bottom design
boats, thus with practice it comes with a good all-around
performance.
Characteristics Descirption
Profile or sides of a 1. Tumblehome design
boat - the sides of the boat curve inward as they come
up, which makes the beam narrower on the deck. This
allows the paddler to reach the water easily while at the
same time has the stability of a wide and kayak.

2. Flared sides
- the sides curve outward (flares out) making the
beam wider. Thus as it goes deeper in the water (cargo
weight becomes heavier), the team becomes wider
therefore giving a more stable feeling.

3. Straight sides
- is the little bit of the two
Paddles
Are the equipment used to manuever the
boat. Single bladed paddle are usually used
for canoes and double- bladed paddles are
for kayaks. They are placed in the water as
one moves the boat.
How should one choose a paddle?
Choosing what kind of paddle depends one
one’s physique, the size of the boat, and
stroking preference.
Wider and taller kayaks need longer paddles
If a person has a small build, then a shorter,
lighter paddle is best so as not to overexert
oneself. A general rule, the shortest paddle
that allows you to properly reach the water is
the best.
Another way of measuring canoe paddle is
while in standing position. Put the a paddle
in vertical position. Hold the grip or T-grip
and see if it is in level with your nose.
Wider blades give more acceleration but
must also deal with more resistance.
Narrower blades use less effort per stroke but
require more strokes
Curved blades increase power of each strokes
Activities uses Kayaks or Canoes
Sea kayaking is done in open waters such as the
ocean or the lake. Kayaks may be a sit-on-top or
decked design
Whitewater kayaking or canoeing is paddling
down the whitewater rivers. A flat-bottomed boat
will help the boat spin on the water and take on
the rapids for practicing various manuevers. The
rounded bottom will involve paddling downriver
from one point to different point and usually a
distance of several miles
Flatwater recreation is a relaxing canoeing
or kayaking where you can take gentle paddle
down a calm river, ocean, or lake to do some
sightseeing.
Sailing is where the canoe or kayak is fitted
with a sail
Surf kayaking is where the kayak is typically
fitted with a fin, rather like a surfboard.
Marathon racing is a lengthy race down a
river using the kayak or canoe.
Other Equipment
A personal flotation device (PFD), such as a
life vest or jacket, will help one to be afloat in
case the boat capsizes.
A helmet that protects the head especially
when paddling in rocky area
The appropriate clothing depending on the
air and water temperature. Wetsuits or
nylon-coated jackets and pants are
recommended for cold water.
Footwear should be a lightweight canvas
shoes or sturdy river sandals
A water bottle for rehydrating oneself. It
should have a short string or rope so it can be
clipped or tied to the boat securely and will
also remain with the boat even when the
boat capsizes (not becoming a liter in the
river)
Extra clothes and energy food placed in dry
and waterproof bag.
Protective gears from the sun such as
sunscreen or hats
Whistle for emergency

First aid and duct tape for emergency

situations

Spray skirt (for kayaking)

Sea kayaking requires more specific
extra equipment as it is done in the
open waters. These equipment are
the follows:
Waterproof torch that floats
Bilge pump and bailing device
Distress signal devices such as orange
smoke sticks and red flares
Compass
Spare paddle.
Start the Canoeing and Kayaking
First, Learn How to Get In and Out of the
Boats
Second, Learn the Correct Posture
Third, Learn the Proper Way of Holding
the Paddle
Fourth, Let Us Learn the Basics of
Making the boat Move forward
First, Learn How to Get In
and Out of the Boats
Getting in a Kayak
A. Entering from the dock
Make sure that paddle is within reach. Keep
in mind that weight should be at centerline,
otherwise the kayak will tip. First, hold the
back of the cockpit coaming and feet should
be planted near the centerline. Then, lift self,
with the weight mainly supported by hand,
and move bottom to the cockpit.
B. Getting from the shore
Put the paddle right behind the cockpit coaming
and the other end against a rock (improvise if there is
no rock, like using the paddle to get support from
bottom). Take a firm hold from the back of the cockpit
coaming with the paddle held between thumb and the
coaming, while the other hand is keeping the paddle
fixed on the rock. Sit carefully over the coaming,
keeping the body weight on the feet. Lift one foot
inside the cockpit and sit in. Then, raise other foot
inside the cockpit. Remember to keep the balance.
Getting out of the kayak is done in the same way but in
opposite order.
Getting in a Canoe
A. Entering from the shore (Tandem Canoe)
Put paddle in the end of the boat. Slide part of
the boat in the water, and then hold the boat so
it will not float away. The person who will be
seated on the bow part enters the boat first. That
person should carefully walk down the center f
the canoe, while holding entering the boat, keep
the center of gravity as low as possible to
minimize the chances of flipping the boat over.
The second person then carefully puts one
foot in the center of canoe and pushes off the
shore with the other foot while keeping hands
on both sides of canoe. Then he/she lowers
self into the seat. Reverse the order when
getting out.
B. Entering from the dock
When entering from the deck, the same is
basically done. However, it will be best to keep
the boat parallel or horizontal to the dock. Get in
the boat one at a time, taking turns in holding
the boat steadily. Remember to always put the
paddle in the end of the canoe within reach.
Reverse the order in getting out.
Second, Learn the Correct
Posture
In Canoeing
The first thing to do is to relax, this way the
muscles will not be too tight. While seated, lean
just slightly forward (around 5-8 degrees only)
from the pelvis. The back should be straight
without being forced. Shoulder should be slightly
ahead of hips, head or neck. The legs should be
slightly bent, just enough so that you cannot push
legs straight bent, just enough so that you cannot
push legs straight without moving on the seat. Too
much leaning forward restricts lung capacity.
In Kayaking
Good posture is key if one wants to use the
body efficiently. Do not lean on the backrest
but just sit straight and relax the shoulder,
opening the chest for ease in breathing. Keep
legs together and feet against thee footpegs.
Adjust footpegs making sure that the knees
can bend slightly and spread and press
against the kayak for extra balane if necessary.
Keeping legs together allows better torso
rotation and more efficient paddling.
Third, Learn the Proper
Way of Holding the
Paddle.
In Canoeing
Holding the paddle incorrectly causes loss
of power during forward stroke and puts the
paddle’s body in an awkward position.
Canoe paddle has only one blade. The T-
grip of the paddle should be held by top
hand with full palms covering it (not
holding it around).
Top hand is the hand that is higher ( it ay
be your left or right hand).
The bottom holds the shaft( not the throat)
of the paddle in about an arm’s length down
from the other hand. The bottom hand,
which holds the canoe paddle, generates the
most power while the upper and grip create
the balance and the accuracy of the stroke.
In kayaking
The recommended grip I usually the
distance between the two elbows. Hold the
paddle above and center over the head.
Adjust your hands so that your elbows are at
right angle.
The blade has two faces. The front has a
cup-like shape that is also referred to as the
power since it creates power to move the
kayak. The other side is the back face.
There are paddles for left-handed and right-
handed paddlers. For instance, assume that one
uses a right-handed feather paddle. In kayaking “
right hand fixed, left hand loose” technique is
applied in using the paddle for strokes, recoveries,
and manuevers. This means that the right hand is
your control hand, where your grip is fixed and
does not change during the stroke. You left hand
should grasp the paddle shaft loosely. This is to
allow the right hand to twist the paddle to desired
angles for turning, bracing or rolling. Do not hold
paddle too tight, it will tire hands quickly.
Fourth, Let Us Learn the
Basic of Making the Boat
Move Forward
In Canoeing
Paddling forward is the most basic and
important stroke as this will bring you to
places. The forward paddling in canoeing is
described in three phases:
Catch, power phase and exit and recovery.
1. Catch
This is the start of the stroke where the blade enters
water.
It is important to know that the shoulder is used, not
elbow, as the axis of movement.
The bottom hand (the one holding the shaft) should
be positioned at the correct angle.
The top arm in the same figure, it should be at the
level of the shoulder bent slightly and not in front of
the face or chest. The position should also be over the
water on the paddling side, not over the canoe.
The position of the trunk should be slightly
forward (around 80 degrees) but one should
still feel he or she is still seated perfectly erect.
Excessive leaning will wear out the paddler
faster as he/she is fighting gravity’s pull and
slouching will make it difficult to use strength
in the shoulders effectively.
2. Power Phase
A strong stroke is what will actually move the
boat forward. In this phase, the bottom hand
should be pulling while the top arm is
pressing down slightly forward. The torso
rotates, thus the paddle-side shoulder
forwards as the paddle is planted in the water.
Simultaneously, the blade is planted in the
water up to the blade or shaft intersection.
The blade should be completely immersed at right
angles to the direction of travel. This is what they
call “squaring the blade”. If the angle is wrong, the
blade will slide sideways. Remember, the paddler is
moving the boat and not the water. Thinks as if the
blade is being fixed in the water and the paddler
pulls the boat past it. . While doing this, the blade
should be kept close to the boat is still touching the
side of the canoe. The stroke ends when the torso,
rotation brings the paddle back to the hip. From the
catch phase to the power phase stroke, the toes,
legs, hip, torso and shoulder all work smoothly
together and in coordination
3. Exit and Recovery
The stroke is finished when body rotation is
complete. At exit, the blade moves out of
the water to the side. The top hand is still
high and the bottom elbow is bent to lift the
blade. Take the blade forward for the next
stroke. The blade should be kept close to the
water to avoid catching the wind
In kayaking
To start paddling, make sure that the front part or
power face of the blade is facing front. Place the
blade in the water, close to the feet and to the
kayak’s waterline. The lower arm should be
almost straight. The upper arm should be slightly
bent, such that the upper waist comes a bit
slightly closer paddler’s eyes. Press the stroke-side
foot firmly against the footpeg. Sink the blade
into the water. Using the muscles of the torso, get
more power at the beginning of the stroke where
the paddle has just entered the water. Then,
lessen power at the end.
Benefits of Paddling
Improved cardiovascular fitness
Stronger muscles and muscular endurance
particularly in the back arms, shoulder and
chest as these are the main muscles involved in
paddling.
Development of the torso and leg strength as
the strength to power a canoe or kayak comes
mainly from the rotating the torso and
applying pressure with your legs.
Important Things we should always
remember to be safe in kayaking or canoeing.
K- know first your skills in swimming and
canoeing or kayaking
A- avoid paddling alone, paddling far from
coastline or paddling in routes of ships
Y- yield to safety and know where to go in case
of emergency
A- always wear personal floatation device and
other safety equipment
K- keep hydrated as you will be under the sun.
C- check weather conditions
A-always plan ahead. This includes studying the
river maps ahead of time
N- never forget to put things in waterproof bags
O- Orientations given by facilitators or leaders
are important. They tell you the rules and
regulations and safety procedures. Listen and
follows them well,
E- equipment should be tired and always
checked. Try on new or unfamiliar things and ask
questions on the proper way of using them.