So ultimately the layout and style of "driving” in a canoe it should look like this:
a) convenient, fatigue-free sitting in the kayak
b) correct paddle grip
c) proper rowing, i.e.. dipping 3/4 feathers in the water, strokes of the oar in a line parallel to the ship's side (distance from the ship's side 5-10 cm), calm, clean pen removal
d) long rhythmic strokes with the paddle thrust until the arm is straightened
e) oar guidance at eye level.
Having mastered kayaking and one-way oar use, we need to know the principle of changing direction and steering. A kayak with a rudder is not difficult to steer - pressing the left or right steering hook changes the course of the kayak.
Paddle steering - is about “earning” with an oar on one side, the kayak makes an arc in the opposite direction. We can control by countering, i.e.. putting the feather still in the water and holding it against the side, or the sweep of water from back to front. When countering, we reduce the speed of the kayak, and at the same time we make a very quick turnaround. We can also combine both ways, "Earning" with one pen forward, other contrasts, so we get a turn in place. In two-person tourist kayaks, the work is divided like this, that the front rowing machine is countering, the helmsman, on the other hand, earns”. We get back swimming by pulling the paddle forward. We also have to learn the ability to cross from one bank to the other and to overcome a wave. On a calm lake, this does not pose many difficulties. On a river or lake side wave, the canoe should be placed diagonally, i.e.. upstream (against the wave) and while rowing, steer the canoe in that direction. The pressure of the water and the side wave will then carry us to the opposite shore.
After mastering the technique of kayaking on inland waters and gaining experience, we can go on a mountain river. However, mountain rivers require not only physical fitness and courage, but also high rowing techniques, great experience and perfect reading of the water. Huge boulders, sills at the bottom of the river, rapids, cofki, dangerous braids, etc.. they will be obstacles along the route of the mountain river. At a current speed above 6 km/h. swimming requires observation, quick orientation, to master the kayak, as well as a slightly different rowing style than on lowland rivers. (Sure sit down, legs tucked up, knees resting on toe boards, back rested, torso tilted forward, oars held by handshake, very quick strokes of the paddle.)
Sailing along the mountain river, we stick to the mainstream, keeping the bow of our unit slightly above the water. We try to avoid the obstacles encountered while sailing, recognizing them by changes on the water surface:
a) boulders - form long tongues on the water
b) swift - noise, breakdown of water
c) vortices - large circles on the surface of the water
d) shoals - shallow wrinkles and splashing water
e) obstacle below the surface - the water splits into two streams.
We overcome the obstacles we encounter in various ways, depending on their type:
a) boulders, coastal rocks, underwater obstacles, fallen trees, wires, We avoid sharp turns with a canoe
b) we reverse the canoe near the underwater rocks
c) in the case of whirlpools, we reduce the speed of the canoe, flowing on a tangent vortex, paddling in the direction of the swirling water
d) when crossing ravines, culverts, we increase the speed of access, which will enable us to jump and break through the buffer.