Boating and Sailing.pdf - Moja ladja

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Part 2: The Basics of Operation
Sea-touring kayaks are 16 to 18 feet long and usually include a rudder so that the paddler
can adjust for side winds and currents. Paradoxically, the greater length of these boats
actually makes them easier to paddle—as with all displacement boats, the longer the
waterline length, the faster they can go.
Kayaks of this size are easy
to transport and easy to
portage over obstacles. This
model has an open deck,
allowing for easier storage of
fishing gear.
(Photo credit: Wilderness
Systems)
Kayak Handling
Kayaks are paddled about like free-style swimmers swim—left-right-left-right. This keeps
you going straight as long as there’s no wind or current to push you sideways, and as long
as you put the same force and depth into strokes on each side.
Boat Bytes
It’s possible to pull most
kayaks sideways (tougher
with the longer sea-touring
models). You do this by
leaning to one side, tilting
the paddle overhead to that
side, and reaching out with the
bottom blade as far as possible
to draw the boat in that direction.
It’s handy for getting close
to a dock or getting away from
an overhanging bank.
When the boat starts to veer off to one side, you simply
paddle a few extra strokes or harder strokes on that side
to bring it back to dead ahead.
The kayak paddle can also be used as a rudder to turn
or straighten the boat once it’s underway. This is done
by dipping the paddle deep into the water on the side
toward which you want to turn, and then levering it
outward slightly. Keep the pressure on as long as you
want to continue the turn, and then go back to the standard
alternating strokes.
If you want to make a sharp turn, it’s better to use
power strokes—starting all the way forward, sweeping
the paddle fully submerged but out as far from the hull