Advanced Paddling Skills: Kayaking 102

[@chaliceb5]

Awsome vid...recently discovered kayaking as a new passion at 54 yrs. of age and I'm grateful for every piece of advice. 👊

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad to hear it! Welcome to the sport. Hopefully you’ll find our channel insightful on your journey.

[@flatheadfletch]

Contact me please

[@raivkka4313]

Same here but just turned 60!

[@andyd3063]

Same here!

[@mickfromaustralia902]

Probably the best explanation I have ever watched. Cheers and thank you.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the kind words. Hope it helps a lot of folks

[@garyhakala5168]

I have taken lessons from the best kayakers on the planet, have my BCU ratings and taught at kayak symposiums. Still i always enjoy good instruction. I wish more beginning kayakers would avail themselves to videos such as these. I see so many poor practices while kayaing. Given up on trying to " help" Last week a paddler drowned on a local lake, no life jacket. Great basic instruction 😊

[@HeadwatersKayak]

@@garyhakala5168 thanks for the kind words.

[@HopeCreekConnemara]

I am a relatively new kayaker and I am watching. Some of us will.

[@TheMTBPOV]

As a new paddler, thanks for taking your time to make this video, it’s helped a lot already!

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Good advice for new paddlers. Some very important information. NICE ONE MATEY

[@TheWhaletail13]

Want to thank you for all the great videos. I bought my first kayak (10 ft Mavrick) and had a great first day practicing the skills. Because of you, I felt much more confident of what I was doing. I was the first Kayak on Evergreen Lake in Evergreen Colorado this season. Going to proudly put your sticker on my boat and will direct any one intrested in the sport to your channel.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Love this. Thanks for taking the time to give me that feedback.

[@nikolaihall509]

I just bought the Eddyline Skylark in New Jersey a couple weeks ago… Sapphire blue & I took it out once so far on the water. Let me just say, after watching your videos, your professional help has not made me regret anything about my Eddyline purchase. My first kayak as a beginner and i couldn’t be happier with the Skylark. It’s really a beautiful build of quality materials. Thanks again!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It will just keep getting better the more you learn and practice. Enjoy!

[@MooMooOutdoors]

I've been waiting for this. Extremely well explained. Bow rudder has been very challenging for me to learn. Now it makes sense, kind of. I'll have to watch this video many time LOL.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks Moo

[@PhilipMoorcroft-n2d]

One of the most professional instructional videos I've seen in a long time. Thanks guys for pointing me in the direction of this and 101, really helpful.

[@GatewoodBrown]

Great video! I need to add these tips into my arsenal. Very helpful!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Stoked!

[@krakhare7111]

Next time I’m out in my local creek I’m going to try those draw and sculling strokes. Thanks for the info.

[@newfoundlanderonthego]

I have been paddling for awhile now ,and I have to say you are a great teacher,really brilliant instruction.

[@bunsen27]

I just added those exact hip pads to my Sitka XT to increase my connection with the kayak and thus edge control for turns. A great instructional video as always Dan!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Right on. I hope it helps. Go out there and play in your boat!

[@jimhunt1230]

What hip pads did you add? My xt seems to have very thin pads and am experimenting with add foam shim under them with mixed results. Thanks

[@bunsen27]

@@jimhunt1230 it's the Harmony Gear hip pad kit

[@jimhunt1230]

@@bunsen27 Thanks for pad info. I will try a pair. Curious - did you add these on top the standard XT hip pads or use as a replacement? Also curious on seat placement - how far forward do you have your seat? Thanks again - just got my Sikta XT last week and trying to get comfortable with it and dialed in.

[@bunsen27]

@@jimhunt1230 Yes, over the existing pads. They come with straps or velcro for attachment. My seat position is 1.25" back from the front of the most forward seat position.

[@bgphillips4239]

Good demonstration at the 4 to 5 minute point in the video, showing and discussing the differences between edging and leaning. I know you talked about that when we all got together at Lake Natoma a month or so ago, but your demonstration/explanation here makes it a bit more clear. Great video as usual, Dan!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Good I’m glad it helped break it down for you. Look forward to paddling down there with you guys again.!

[@eleanorarman6888]

Thanks I'm Ellie. Brand new paddler. Bought a suncoast used. I'm currently in Florida. A bit nervous about the gators. I'm going to be relocating soon to Illinois. I'm going to take all your tips with me. Thank you so much. You're an awesome teacher! I really hope to get into a paddlers group up there. Unfortunately I'm so far in the woods here in Mcalpin Fl. There's no paddlers group😢. I would feel better to go paddle in a group!

[@williefrazier7977]

Great video, you make learning new stuff easy to understand.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Awesome glad to hear that.

[@greggoryhaueter4025]

These instructional videos are really great! You're a great teacher. Thank you.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You're very welcome!

[@KimIrby]

I’ve watched 100’s of videos and this helped me the most. Well done.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback

[@ralphsmith8682]

Thank you for the lesson. I have learned a lot watching your channel.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You’re welcome

[@sonicbacon1856]

Great instructions, I will be practicing these strokes this weekend to kick off my paddling season. Keep up the great work, your content is fantastic and very enjoyable to watch

[@davidmiller4594]

I'm a veteran kayaker, a whole 6 weeks of experience 😂 but completely hooked. I found an older Dagger sitka composite that looks new. Even though it feels extremely touchy, I have gained confidence in your videos and have a curriculum to practice everytime I go out. I can't thank you enough for putting these videos together.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

No way! I have a Dagger Sitka as well. Mine is setup with a Falcon Sail rig. It’s a blast!

[@davidmiller4594]

@@HeadwatersKayak Wow, that's nuts! I knew it's Waay beyond me, but the guy was pretty much giving it away. I couldn't pass it up. I have a Hurricane Skimmer 140 solo, first and only kayak I've been on until the Dagger. Boy, a sea kayak, even an oldie is a completely different animal!

[@Billcameratech]

Dan, that was some fantastic stuff! Very useful to practice. Thank you so much for taking the time. More things to work on next time I'm out there!

[@richardstouder6964]

Hi Dan. My wife and I are new to kayaking. We've watched a bunch of your videos. They are excellent. We've learned an enormous amount from you. Keep up the great work

[@eandm8982]

very nice reference video. you covered a lot in a concise format. here's to the follow up years of perfecting and enjoying these skills.

[@alexicon_]

wonderful lesson! many of the techniques i was familiar with, but didn't really have the vocabulary to describe. i've come away with a lot of things to practice when i next hit the water. thank you kindly for sharing!

[@davidmiller4594]

These tutorials are extremely helpful. Sweet and to the point. I've been focusing primarily on my paddle and just after 2 short sessions, I'm beginning to think less about it. My feet are doing nothing most of the time so now I need to add the 2 together. I'm still impressed with how quickly I'm progressed since working on these steps.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thats such great feedback. Thanks for taking the time!

[@lizard2425]

Nicely done Dan. Clear and concise. 👍👍

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thank you.

[@PeteBarta]

Just have to say thanks so much for making these videos. I know that the "best under $xxx" will always be the big performers, but man - I find such immense value in your instructional videos - and in the instructional asides in your review videos. I'm new to kayaking and have watched a ton of your videos this summer. I think you're a really really skilled communicator and your clarity and enthusiasm seem effortless, natural, and enjoyable. I've been falling in love with paddling this summer (been out 12 times and only started mid July - that's a lot for working full time and have 2 little kids!) - and your videos have been a great asset thus far. Keep it up, and thanks again, and happy paddling to you. :)

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for the feedback. I’m all about creating paddlers and sharing my passion for paddling. These videos mean way more to me than the 5 under xxxx. I’m glad their helping you out.!

[@annastern1386]

Great video! Lot of content. I'm looking forward to try this out.

[@vicamious8793]

Only quite new to kayaking myself, and, while I've understood the basics for a while, and been refining those techniques, this provided some great tips for maintaining momentum when redirecting/turning and dealing with things like weather-cocking , cheers.

[@alexpurcell2012]

I’m new to this (getting a kayak this week) but I know great advice when I see it. I’ll end up watching this many times. Thank you.

[@bluesideup007]

Excellent instructions! (coming from a die-hard canoeist with 6 canoes. OK, I do have one kayak) No matter how long we've paddled, we can always learn something new and improve what we know (or think we know).

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Amen to that!

[@Forestowo]

Excellent guide! Thank you :)

[@LetsGoPaddling]

I found out these maneuvering strokes were very easy to do with a Greenland paddle, while more difficult with a wing paddle (especially ruddering and draw stroke). Still learning, though, and hopefully I'll be able to do them all correctly sooner or later. 😅

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Wing paddles make these strokes hard. Still doable with practice though.

[@lizard2425]

I love my GP !!!

[@flatheadfletch]

Greenland Paddle only way to go. IMHO

[@HopeCreekConnemara]

Thank you for the video! More skills to practice. This is a wonderful journey., Especially since my legs aren't what they used to be.

[@rideon41]

Re-watching the video as I just go my first more serious kayak (little used Elie Strait 140) and have a couple of days off to practice. You really do an outstanding job explaining these concepts, thanks for the video and being a big part of getting me hooked!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

That’s great! Happy to be a part of your journey

[@alee3146]

@15:28 you are not significantly ‘shortening’ your waterline length. What you ARE doing by rolling / edging / leaning is you are changing the wetted hull form from one that is symmetrical when level to one that is ASSYMETRICAL. A symmetrical underwater hull form is balanced so tracks in a straight line; whereas an assumetrical underwater hull form is much more conducive to spinning rather than tracking. Essentially, you are altering the ROCKER of the keel fore-and-aft. Boats with greater rocker pivot more readily; same with an ice hockey skate blades compared to speed skating skate blades.

[@wonderswedste1789]

So i've had my sitka LT for about a month now and I can honestly say all of your videos have been an amazing help. legit. getting over the tippy part of seakayaking took a little but once you get use to it WOW you really feel connected to the water because the kayak becomes an extension of you...like, I finally get it. my only issue is, I'm not very tall so reaching in front of me to grab something like a water bottle is challenging.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing your story. Keep it up, and hope the video helps.

[@davidcollins4079]

Great video. One of the best explanations I have seen.

[@kellykudryk8124]

If you can do all that then you can 'kayak'. Nice skills well taught. And applies to any style or type of kayak. A high brace on a white water kayak was always an invitation to a rotator cuff tear. Good demonstration.

[@adminadmin2753]

just excellent coaching/teaching As a 30 yr pro ski instructor, well done.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Wow thank you. Glad it was helpful.

[@hairymannurse5129]

Your channel and ndyakangler are my two favorites

[@mike-PlatinumAudio]

Great lesson! :)

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thanks for watching

[@dand7772]

GREAT explanation Dan

[@DustinRea]

I did about 30 practice braces last time I went out. All low brace. The water should be pretty warm soon so I will be going into the fun stuff where I inevitably get wet. This is a great set of instructions. Thank you

[@TornadoAlley100]

Fantastic video - very helpful. Thanks!

[@MouwDown]

Love the content. Recent subscriber here. Brand new to kayaking for the most part. Have been researching kayaks on the KZbin's for awhile now. Always end up back to the Sitka XT. I'm 6'6" about 210-215 ish pounds. I see lots of reviews of the sitka ST or LT from 5' ish 160 ish pound people. No bigger or taller people tslking about the XT. I've noticed you are in a XT quite often. Can you possibly make a video about the XT specifically? Seems as far as I'm aware. No channels really have a review or talk about the experience on a XT.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I have a long term Sitka review in the works. I’ve spent more time in this kayak than almost any other kayak.

[@MouwDown]

@HeadwatersKayak well, I am totally looking forward to it. Appreciate the response. The Sitka definitely appears to be a very nice and thought-out design. Most people I've seen talking about performance of a kayak are from average height and weight range. Would be nice if you could possibly incorporate performance from a taller or heavier than average point of view. If that makes sense at all. Anyway, I appreciate the content.

[@timroberts1109]

Really enjoyed this video! Thanks for sharing your expertise

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cwschmidt]

Thanks for this super video. I will start using it during this weekend

[@HaysClark]

That goose was totally photo bombing your video. ;D

[@cheryzheng]

Hip pads are the game changer. Just added some to my Samba.

[@flushot6513]

I don't have high performance kayaks a pungo and crescent lite but I did take your advice on not buying the most stable kayak

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Those are both fantastic kayaks!

[@ralfpeterek1040]

Great video. I believe that it would be helpful to mention (in the outside edge turn) that, as your inside edge “picks up”, you’re exposing a straighter waterline. Conversely, the outside edge is becoming, if anything, more curved. While driving forward, the hull will be biased to naturally carve a turn, facilitated by the curved contour of the outside edge.

[@francoisbouchart4050]

Another great conversation. Thanks 🙏

[@jenniferbostrom759]

Super helpful thank you!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You’re welcome

[@jeepjksahara]

Excellent instructions, thank you!🙏

[@christopping5876]

Great, concise video!

[@rowalong]

Wow man, this is the perfect video. Thankyou!

[@RR-yh6vr]

Where was this video 15 years ago whwn I was trying to figure this stuff out alone with my new seayak? 😂 But hey, its here now and will def help me refine skills. Thank you!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

@@RR-yh6vr nice I’m glad it was helpful.

[@asinglegerry]

Thanks a lot for your helpful hints! 👍

[@n-da-bunka2650]

I saw you do an inside edge turn with the paddle upright and on the inside AND turning to the inside in a separate video. Perhaps more of a white water turn but you were in a touring kayak in that video. I think it was where you were demoing the eddyline kayak's perhaps? What was that called & how did you do it?

[@ChrisFleming-u3d]

very good instructional video

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Thank you.

[@clahr7671]

Love this! Thank you so much for the skills video 👏👏👏🙌🙌🌅❤️. I am starting down this path with my new stellar S14 kayak. I’m Starting to play a little with edging. It’s definitely a progressive boat from my Eddyline Sandpiper. The one thing I do notice though I need the skeg down for tracking straighter even in calm water…my Sandpiper seemed to do a better job? I was wondering if that would be the case for the Sitka as that was the other boat I would’ve gotten - was just 10 pounds heavier and that made a big difference for me. Just wondering if you have any ideas on the difference between the two boats and what I need to consider when I try these new skills out. Thank you again I just am so grateful for this video.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes it’s a much looser boat than an Eddyline. More playful but also a handful without a skeg. I really like the rudder upgrade on my 14. It makes it a completely different kayak.

[@clahr7671]

@@HeadwatersKayak OK can you expound on rudder -on one video you had mentioned the difference between the bottom of the Eddyline, and the stellar saying that the stellar would handle rougher conditions better? Now I have the advantage layup not the multi sport. I don’t plan to go rock gardening, but I did buy it as a sea kayak. Also, and one video you said you wouldn’t get the rudder because you felt you didn’t need it but you do have it because of your filming for the channel. I’m not going to be doing that obviously. But I definitely love the way the foot pegs have the extended rudder pedal on them and I’m certainly open to getting a rudder. How does that work with edging and the skills that you’re teaching in this video. Sorry to ask so many questions. I have not taken a lesson in it yet and plan to do so, but it’s gonna be a bit yet before I do. Thank you so much!

[@spook-e8621]

@@clahr7671 I also have an S14(G2) and the skeg is indeed necessary for good straight sailing and then it sails perfectly straight. But also with skeg you notice that the S14 responds very well to tilting and steers very easily. Due to its width, the tipping over point is far away, which gives the confidence to use tilting without fear of tipping over . In my opinion, a rudder is not necessary with this kayak. I don't like rudders anyway. I find a kayak easier to trim with a skeg. For me, the S14 is the ideal touring kayak. It accelerates easier and rides lighter at touring speed (7kph) than the 18ft Rebel Jara kayak I had before and is super manoeuvrable. I love my S14! I read that you will be using your kayak at sea, I have to say I don't sail at sea so I don't know how the s14 handles big waves. Sorry if my english is not correct, english is not my native language.

[@clahr7671]

@@spook-e8621 I really appreciate the detailed info on your S14… Very helpful! It all makes sense 👍 I may get that rudder… I think I will for the ocean. I believe that’s what Dan is talking about. But the skeg definitely needs to be down. I am learning more about it all the time and it is enjoyable more I play in it. Thanks again!

[@FrankLadd]

My new to me kayak doesn't have any primary stability. The secondary stability is pretty good. It edges and turns like a dream for a medium speed boat. Great in rough water not the best for flat, I don't think this kind of boat would sell well these days. Teaching braces is so weird because I never do them that way in real life. I'm always sweeping a brace.

[@JohnCooperWilliam]

That pretty much sums up my valley Nordkapp. It’s a big adjustment to get used to!

[@mumfordmarc3725]

So helpful, thankyou.

[@focusmicro]

Awersome video!! Thank you!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

You’re welcome. Hope it helps.

[@rodmitchell8787]

Great video thx

[@jimfromoregonusa9899]

Excellent!

[@michaelwolf8090]

❤ Thanks Dan

[@OregonsOutdoorAssets]

“You’re not just paddling, you’re becoming a kayak”😂

[@jimhunt1230]

Any suggestions to avoid sitting on the seat back assembly after a self rescue? The seat back arm is long enough that it is difficult to get it out from under you while in the kayak on the water. Thanks

[@SimplyKountryYaking]

So I do like the idea of moving from rec kayaking to a sea kayak. What paddle length is good for a 24 inch sea kayak

[@HeadwatersKayak]

15-17’

[@parzable]

Thanks again Dan. 🤣🍋🍸

[@nrao8977]

Does a/any sit-on-top (SOT) have secondary stability built into them, like the sit-in? How does one "edge" in a SOT?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes for sure. You can shift your weight to one hip or the other and you’ll feel the kayak dip to its “edge” and it should respond in the same way. It can be harder to hold an edge, but it’s possible. So I’m sitting on tops are built to be so stable, that it’s really hard to get them to edge. So you’ll have to play with it.

[@alee3146]

@14:25 you ARE doing two strokes successively on the one (port) side.

[@stefaanwuyts]

Very usefull thanks

[@juliecasey477]

First day after vacation and this comes out! I am so excited to try these techniques! 5 more days until I am back on the water!

[@batdan9243]

When learning, I always need to know the “why” - to that end: Why do you move your head like that when you perform the low brace recovery? What purpose does it serve?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

It allows me to lift my knee towards my head and that rights the kayak. If you have your head up you are fighting against yourself. You can’t keep your head up and lift your knee at the same time.

[@DennyT71]

Allot of basic moves. However it's important to go back to the basics from time to time. It helps keep the foundation intacted.

[@alee3146]

No - airplane wings rise (fuselage climbs) due to the pressure differences above and below the airfoil created by the wing cross section. Paddles don’t have such a cross section. Rather, what you were demonstrating was the planing effect due to the force of the water surface tension striking the paddle back face on an oblique angle while advancing forward relative to the water medium. Speed boats transition from displacement mode up to planing mode once a critical forward speed is reached. Your paddle didn’t actually rise; you simply could apply more downward force to counter the roll because of your (diminishing) forward momentum. Once your velocity falls the paddle has no resistance to bear against. It’s the same as a bracing slap - the surface of the paddle has to accelerate against the surface tension… a brace in slow motion won’t work.

[@onkelsort5381]

Very awesome video, thank you! Could you do a video on how to turn in moderate to high winds? (Wether you want to maintain some (or a lot of) speed in the kayak vs. what happens if you come to a stand still? Yesterday, my kayak ended up drifting in a 90 degreee angle to the wind direction, no matter what I tried to turn it, resulting in me eventually falling out :D I was fortunately practising close to land, but I ended up wondering what the most efficient way of turning 180 from head wind to tail wind and vice versa would look like.) Hopefully I will come to some conclusions on my own, but I have not found any videos on YT for turning in winds, so I'm sure it could help other people too. How to use the wind to your advantage... :) Anyways, this video was great! PS; Anyone in the know, feel free to comment... 👍

[@HopeCreekConnemara]

I've had that problem too on occasion. I think that ruddering stroke is one of the tools but I'm sure there's more.

[@michaelnorris2446]

Is edge turning as effective for whitewater kayaks that have smooth, round hulls?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Everything is different in white water. You use the inside edge to turn in Whitewater Kayaks.

[@sir3872]

i want to know what brand is your Kayak ? & how can buy this kayak?

[@crisppyy_bacon3784]

i have the issue that each paddle stroke, i get water in my kayak. How can I solve this problem or is it normal?

[@findood8491]

What's the reason for the paddle ends being in different angles?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Yes, and I made a detailed video explaining it. It’s called why I feather.

[@usulDloren]

What is the benefit of having your paddles at 2 different angles?

[@HeadwatersKayak]

I have a video on why I feather. Check it out.

[@iancroucher3903]

What's the purpose of the distinct head movement during the bottom brace? I tried it and as it's forced, it feels unatural!

[@HeadwatersKayak]

Bringing your head down, drives the knee up preventing your kayak rolling. If you lift your head the wrong knee engages and will actually cause you to tip.

[@michaelgolan73]

👍👍

[@alee3146]

@15:59 you are becoming a centaur: part kayak part human

[@roadrunnerfirebird]

Hey, can you do a teaching for Sit on Top Kajaks? There is so less Vids for it. I have a Tarpon 160 and i love it, but i think i can learn from you some New skills.... 🙂. Greetings from Germany have a fine, great Seaons. 👌Thank you.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

All the same techniques apply weather in a sit inside or sit on top. I do have a video of me and Paddlin a Crescent Kayak LiteTackle from a few years back. That helps you see what my legs are up to.

[@roadrunnerfirebird]

@@HeadwatersKayak Okay i will check it out. For me, you are not so "connectet" with the legs in a SOT, so i think there is a different technology...... Im on a short weekend trip in Denmark, and many Kajaks out here on the Ostsee today😊.

[@SmokinSkatinJammin]

Danes secret sea kayaking brother

[@GH0ST369]

Low brace looks like drunk fist Kung Fu...

[@allanhewick168]

Misleading title. Advanced skills?? Well presented but basic strokes and bracing are NOT advanced skills. I would re-name this. Surfing, navigation in fog, paddling and rolling in rough water (>3 ft swells) is what I would expect to hear about in a tutorial of advanced skills.

[@esaflaka9155]

Thats a lot of skills i wouldn't of learned on my own. And it is passed the basics of going forward, and simple turns. But understanding and breaking down more ways to turn in different occasions. Its definitely not just beginner🤨

[@wonderswedste1789]

I guess I can now claim I identify as a Kayak.

[@davehansford4888]

Good video, but you need to slow your speech down, mate. It’s difficult to follow you.

[@flatheadfletch]

This was supposed to be more advanced technic. Failed. See Dancing with the Sea if you want to learn kayaking.

[@HeadwatersKayak]

This is suppose to be kayaking 102 which means next steps beyond basics.

[@LookB4ULeap]

Thanks for this great vid Dan man. I took my 1st baby step and rented a solo yak for a 4 hour tour down the Rio Grande in Albuquerque recently. I definitely recognize the importance of using upper body and core for padding. It felt so natural. I’m totally hooked. I have dreamed of paddling for a while now. I’m torn between a Sea Eagle 380 or an Eddyline. I wasn’t till I watched your videos, I thought the 380 was a lock. Now I am questioning that. I want a boat I can camp 1-2 days out of. I think I can in a sandpiper 130, interested in your thoughts on this. A Sitka is just above my budget but looks like a great boat for camping 🏕️

[@HeadwatersKayak]

All these girls will work in a Sandpiper as well