Ocean Kayak

Basics 1-2-3

Your Ocean Kayak boat has basic features. The front of the boat is the bow and the rear is the stern. When looking forward to the bow, the left side of the boat is port and the right side of the boat is starboard. The hull ID number can be found on the starboard side of the boat, on the bow and stern.

In the middle of the boat, there is a cockpit area with a seat (towards the stern) and foot wells (toward the bow). Inside the cockpit, there are holes that go all of the way through the boat called scuppers. These scuppers allow the boat to drain. On many of the models, there is a bungee in the front of the cockpit and behind the seat. This allows you to secure gear to the deck of the boat. Your particular model may have hatches that allow access to the inside of the boat for gear storage. Some models feature a molded-in tank well for dive tanks or small ice chests.

Alongside the cockpit are a series of small "U" cleats, called accessory strap eyes. These are used to attach accessories to the boat, such as backrests and knee braces.

How to Paddle

To start, sit in your kayak. Your backside should be all the way back in your seat and your knees comfortably bent. To find the proper foot well, straighten your legs all the way out and then bring them back one "well." If your legs are too straight, you may find you put strain on your lower back. If your knees are bent too far, you may end up knocking your knee caps when you paddle.

To find your hand placement on your paddle, start with your hands about shoulder width apart and centered. If you place the center of the paddle on the top of your head, your elbows should form slightly less than a 90 degree angle. There should be an equal amount of paddle shaft and blade beyond both of your hands.

Some paddles may have the blades offset, or feathered. A feathered paddle presents less surface area for the wind to catch. However, a special technique must be used to get both blades in the water. If the paddle is a right hand control, (when the right blade is held vertical, the left blade "scoop" is up) the right hand will stay tight and your left hand loose. To learn the process, hold the paddle tight in your right hand and loose in your left. Using the right hand, rotate the paddle blade back and forth; it should slide through your left hand. Now take a stroke on your right, cock your right wrist back (left hand staying loose and somewhat open) and take a stroke on your left, and so forth. If using a left hand control paddle, reverse the process: the left hand stays tight and the right loose.

The basic paddle stroke is a forward power stroke. Place the paddle blade in the water near your toes. Pull the paddle blade back alongside the boat to approximately your hip. Lift the paddle blade and take a stroke on the other side.

If the paddle blade drifts out to the side in an arc, it will force the bow of the boat to swing away from the paddle blade. This is called a sweep stroke and is used to turn the boat.

Ocean Kayak Paddle Tips

Ocean Kayaks are very easy to use and very forgiving. By beginning in calm water, you can quickly get the feel of the boat and paddle techniques, and practice getting in and out of the boat by yourself. A long paddle will allow for a longer stroke, while a shorter paddle will give a shorter, faster stroke. Relax your hands when paddling - you don't need to hold a death grip! Sit with good posture, keep your torso vertical and choose a footrest position that will allow your knees to be slightly bent. For greater efficiency, use not only your arms, but your torso and shoulders as well. Start out easy until you get the feel of the paddle and the steering strokes. Most experienced paddlers use an offset (feathered) paddle, but beginners may prefer to keep the blades square.

How to Re-Enter a Kayaks

There are a variety of ways to get back on a sit-on-top kayak. One process seems to be particularly easy for most people. It was developed by Mark Olson, a representative for Ocean Kayak and is called Bellybutton, Backside, Feet or BBF.

Click on the "VIDEOS" link and check out the video on how to re-enter a sit-on-top kayak.

If the boat is upside down, it will need to be turned over. To do this, reach across the bottom of the boat and grab the scupper holes.

Bring your knees up and onto the bottom of the boat. Lean back and the boat will roll over.

Then, position yourself so your head is near the cockpit area of the boat and you are facing the boat. Let your feet float to the surface of the water by floating on your bellybutton.

Reach across the boat to the far edge and then swim up and onto the boat, so your bellybutton is across the centerline of the boat. (Your belly should be between the foot wells and the seat.)

Next, roll over onto your backside which should end up in the seat. Sit up, swing your feet into the foot wells and you're ready to go.

Kayak Safety

There are basic safety rules that all boaters should follow. As with all recreational activities, there is always the possibility of injury or death. Always use common sense and follow all safety rules at all times.

• Never mix alcohol or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) with boating.
• Never exceed the weight capacity of your boat and always check your equipment for wear and tear before you paddle.
• Seek qualified instruction to learn proper paddling techniques, water safety and basic first aid.
• Wear your life jacket. Coast Guard regulations require that all kayaks have a lifejacket on board. Wearing your lifejacket will help keep your head above water and add insulation to your body, keeping you warmer in cold water.
• Tell someone your paddle plan, which includes: where you are going, what you will be doing, how long you expect to be gone and how many people are in your party. Then stick to your plan.
• Paddling in the surf zone or in rivers can be dangerous. Always wear a helmet.
• Be aware of weather conditions and water temperature. Prepare for changes in weather and the possibility of a capsize. If paddling in cold water, a wet suit or dry suit can keep you warm and comfortable. In warm weather, a long sleeve shirt can provide sun protection.
• Stay hydrated. Always bring plenty of water and food.
• Beware of off-shore winds that make it difficult to return to shore.
• When paddling in a new area, check with the locals regarding currents, shoreline conditions and weather patterns. Plan an "escape" route - an alternative place to get off the water should environmental conditions dictate it. Abiding by these rules will help to make your kayak adventure safer and fun.