2nd trip and blisters!

[coldfeet]

I learned quit a few things yesterday...no specific order...

1...gotta do a better job at reading online tide charts..."Where's the water?"

2...call before going to rent...all that was left was a double..but he took a Dagger Specter Airlight ...had a rudder

3... Don't hold the paddle to tight...2 blisters...think 1 happened because my wedding ring was rubbing into my skin..

4...bring more water to drink

5...try not to push to much with my feet because I kept turning the boat side to side...but I did enjoy using the rudder after a while...

I went to Boarders (have gift cards) bought 2 kayaking magazines and for the first time I didn't stop and look at the Backpacker magazines for the first time in 3 years...reason was because I also got my first cortizone shot today in my good knee (1 scope) waiting to figure what to do to the bad knee (3 scopes)

Trip report...went to the same place as last week...more wind and current...tried a Dagger wit rudder...had to take off my water sandals because they were to tight in the foot area...got 2 blisters on the right hand..swear that I wasn't holding the paddle that tight, but guess I was....if all goes well I'll take a lesson on Wed night at a different place...oh yea...I picked up a really light paddle for .....wait....here it comes.....................................................$349

here are 10 pics...take care...http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2329053620065582691FiXjHS

 

[cbcbd]

oh yea...I picked up a really light paddle for .....wait....here it comes.....................................................$349

Good investment!

The easiest way to improve your paddling enjoyment in any boat is to get a light paddle.

 

[SherpaKroto]

What I use: Aqua-Bound Stingray Carbon Paddle I got it for free using my REI rebate a few years ago. Definitely a great investment. Same weight as the Werner. It's held up nicely.

Get some paddling gloves. That should help out with the blisters. I don't get nearly as many as I used to since I started playing the drums a lot

 

[KayakDan]

SK has the answer.
A good lightweight blade and paddling gloves.
Even though I hold the blade lightly,I "work" the blade a lot,especially when I'm playing,and I can end up with blisters,so I wear paddling gloves(fingerless)

Might want to get some good neoprene water shoes too. Much more comfy in the cockpit. Make sure you get the ones that drain in the heel.

 

[darren]

3... Don't hold the paddle to tight...2 blisters...think 1 happened because my wedding ring was rubbing into my skin..

The big reason not to hold the paddle tight is that a tight grip prevents you from keeping your arm and shoulder loose. Your arms and shoulders will get tired much faster if they are not relaxed. An easy way to see what I am talking about is to make a fist and sqeeze it tight. Your whole forearm and shoulder tense up. A death grip on the paddle will wear you out in no time. Your push hand should be wide open, almost like you are waving at someone. Your pull hand should be curled like a hook, but not fully grasping the paddle shaft - just a hook pulling on it.

5...try not to push to much with my feet because I kept turning the boat side to side...but I did enjoy using the rudder after a while...

One of the many reasons why I prefer a skeg over a rudder. With a skeg your feet are fixed, so you can brace yourself and have firm control over the boat.

- darren

 

[coldfeet]

thx Darren, need more practice, getting cold here soon....