Kayaking Basic Techniques for beginners
Madrid offers amazing outdoor spots with calm waters suitable for beginners to start practicing safely kayaking activities.
Kayaking is a sport that allows you to observe nature from a new point of view. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to enjoy the open water, kayaking could be your new hobby.
If you are a beginner in this world, here are the main techniques so that you can dive into the water like a pro.
- IMAGINARY RECTANGLE TECHNIQUE:
It is recommended that when paddling the elbows do not exceed the height of the shoulders, so it is better to imagine a rectangle when paddling. In your imagination, the sides of the kayak would be the two sides of the rectangle, where your hands will not come out more than 12 centimetres in order to be able to exert more force.
There is also the high paddling technique where the elbows are raised above the shoulder. However, if you are not a professional you should not practise this technique as it can cause injuries.
- HARMONIC PADDLING TECHNIQUE:
Harmonious paddling is essential in order not to slow down the kayak’s speed and not to feel pressure on the joints. This is why it is important to paddle at a good rhythm according to the speed.
The more you practise, the stronger you will feel, but you must not put your muscles under tension, you must keep your breathing relaxed and constant.
- COUPLING TECHNIQUE:
To ensure a good seating position, it is necessary to adjust the seat so that the backrest is close to your back and your legs are slightly bent at the knees. We must use the full force of the tip of the foot, but without going over the sole of the foot.
Keep in mind that once we are in the kayak and we launch into the river, we will not be able to correct our position properly. For this reason, you must make sure that you have adjusted the seat correctly and that you are in the correct position. Comfort is the most important thing in this sport.
Finally, there are many other techniques for kayaking. However, here we have collected the most used ones so that they can be of great help to you in the initiation of this sport.
No matter what your skill level or preference, Madrid has some amazing outdoor spots for kayaking. Be sure to check out these areas and others to find the one that’s right for you.
If you want to book a kayaking tour to explore the mountain lakes and rivers search for Dreampeaks specific water activities:
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your climbs, hikes and adventures. Be aware of local regulations and don’t damage natural parks and wilderness.
DREAMPEAKS: ROCK CLIMBING IN MADRID. HIKING IN MADRID. ADVENTURE TOURS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN SPAIN.
Text by Iris López (Sports Journalist).