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Kayaking Tips for Novice Paddlers

Michael Vereen

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An attorney who has provided a range of services to clients since 1988, Georgia native Michael Vereen specializes in criminal law, DUIs, and bankruptcy. In his spare time, Michael Vereen enjoys coaching his children in sports, including kayaking. Here are some tips for the novice kayaker.

1. Dress for the water. Wear layers of quick-dry clothing and plan for the temperature of the water, rather than the air. Bring good water shoes and consider a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, all of which offer protection from the sun’s rays.
2. Select the right paddle. A number of factors come into play in paddle selection. Paddle blade width determines the ease of stroke, with narrow blades being easier to use but requiring more strokes to maintain speed. Further, you have the choice between flat and curved blades. The latter offer more power while the former are cheaper.
3. Learn from a professional. Ideally, you will learn from an instructor with certification from the American Canoe Association. Develop the basic techniques in calm environments, avoiding rapids entirely until you are suitably confident.