For the Paddler Within

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What happens if my kayak capsizes

What happens if my kayak capsizes

It eventually happens to all paddlers; you will fall into the water – either purposely or unintentionally. What happens to you and your gear during this process can range from just another day on the water to a major incident. This posting will cover what normally happens, and what one can do to minimize the ordeal. Let’s explore what the action of falling into the water is commonly called in the…

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10 ways to make your kayaking easier.

10 ways to make your kayaking easier.

Over the years of instructing, or just paddling with friends, I have asked the question – What ideals of kayaking you know now are topics you wish you knew when you started for the first time? I have compiled ten of the most common subjects which came up in the conversations. The reoccurring theme within these top ten is paddler development. How to properly paddle Kayaking is fairly easy sport…

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Chart Reading: Why do some lights flash at night?

Chart Reading: Why do some lights flash at night?

Seasoned kayakers will tell you, paddling in low to no-light environment can be challenging. While on the water at night, shoreline object recognition is not as vibrant as it usually is during the day. A kayaker should have the ability to navigate safely during their time on the water. Much like reading a street map while driving, paddlers can use a navigation chart to reach their destination. In…

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How to make better decisions before paddling

How to make better decisions before paddling

Paddle sports generally are a very safe, fun, relaxing and enjoyable activity. The majority of people can pick up basic techniques and methods to navigate the waterways rather quickly.  Kayaking, however can be dangerous, and the dangers increase without taking simple precautions. There are techniques which are used to reduce hazards and make the journey on the water safer to the paddler. Risk…

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You purchased your first kayak, now what?

You purchased your first kayak, now what?

Congratulations, you have advanced from the notion and desire to own a kayak, to ownership. Time to take that beauty out for a paddle on any stretch of water, right? Besides, you have seen numerous pictures and videos of folks jumping into the sport of kayaking without incident, what could go wrong? Well, this is not necessary the plan of action…. As a child when we learned how to ride a bicycle,…

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Understanding Kayaking terms

Kayaking terms:   Listed below are some terms associated with kayaking (mainly recreational and sea). This is by all means not a complete list – however the more common, and perhaps not so common items. If there is not a term listed on here, please reach out to us, and we shall be happy to add it.   Angle (low and high) – Expressed as the type of position the paddle is held during a forward…

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Master the kayak shuttle

Master the kayak shuttle

Getting from point A to point B is pretty easy while on the water. There will be a time in your paddle adventures when you would like to explore different sections of the waterways. One option available to paddlers is something called a shuttle. This is likely to become part of your normal activity as one expands their paddle destinations. A shuttle is quite simply, the ability to leave your…

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Understanding how CFS influences your kayaking.

Understanding how CFS influences your kayaking.

What is CFS

This stands for Cubic Feet (per) Second. CFS equates to the volume of water moving downriver in a unit of measurement. The river’s width and depth, as well as elevation contours which aid the movement of the water are used to calculate an average volume. Since each river has unique measurements, they will have a personalized CFS.

  What is gauge height

This is how deep the water is…

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Topics to think about before buying a kayak

Topics to think about before buying a kayak

White water kayak Sea kayak

Recreational kayak

A common question which is asked in our sessions is – what is the correct boat for me? With many kayak choices on the market, there is certainly one out there for you. Before one goes out to the nearest big box store and blindly purchases a kayak, I wish to cover a few areas in which will aid in a better purchase decision.

 Cost – Let’s face it, we…

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The "experienced" kayaker

The “experienced” kayaker

How many times have we read the phrase, “They were an experienced kayaker/paddler”? This seems to be a term used by reporters posthumously as they write an article of a paddler who was involved in an incident. The authors of the media release tend to receive this information from family members, onlookers, or perhaps the paddling partner who was also involved in the incident. Majority of these…

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Items for kayak safety.. and some you may not have thought about

Items for kayak safety.. and some you may not have thought about

Being prepared for your next water adventure and packing the right items for the uncertainty can be overwhelming. Ideally, what you bring along should reflect upon your paddle destination and the ability to understand and demonstrate proper usage.

In today’s blog we will explain to you some items which aid us during our travels – and might get you out of a sticky situation.

The PFD: The ideal…

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Whether liked or not, weather will be a factor .

Whether liked or not, weather will be a factor .

  As paddlers, we must have a basic understanding of weather and weather patterns. Knowledge of simple weather predictions and forecasting will provide a safe and memorable paddle. Before heading out, it is always a good idea to obtain the local weather report – so there are no unexpected surprises. Where do you get this information? Local morning news, newspaper, internet, phone apps, and with…

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Cosmetic scratches making your boat look old?

For those of us who have fiberglass yaks understand how beautiful they can be when they are shiny and new. Keeping them that way, can be a bit of a strain, especially if you really want to paddle frequently. I personally will have minor scratches which will appear wherever I have attached my back up paddles, Camelback, or other items I frequently place on my deck. Mainly this happens near my…

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Getting rescued by the USCG (training)

Getting rescued by the USCG (training)

Last week, I covered how to use a VHF and what steps it takes to call for help. This week will be a continuation of the process, and what it actually looks like from a kayaker’s perspective.

A little background to this training: A few years ago, I had organized a joint training mission involving a local paddle club and the USCG. Our training proceeded with a pre-brief with members of the Coast…

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How to make that all important call

How to make that all important call

Using a VHF radio (or otherwise called a marine radio) can be a lifesaving device for when you really need help on the water. Understanding how to use it and who to call may just save your life.

What exactly is a VHF radio?

It is a communication device for boaters. It is a means in which boaters can communicate with harbors, locks, bridges, marinas, other boaters and summoning rescue services. …

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Trip report - The Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin

Trip report – The Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin

https://silentwake.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/horicon2.mp4

Paddle destination: Horicon Marsh (southern aspect)

  Launch/Land locations:

Launch – Green Head Road N8600 Green Head Rd, Mayville, WI

Land – One Mile Island Trail Head and parking 204 N Nebraska St, Horicon, WI

  Type of environment:

Did you know Horicon Marsh is the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States? The…

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How to be a conscious kayaker

How to be a conscious kayaker

As the season opener approaches here in the Northwoods and more kayaks are seen on the roof racks – let’s remember we are ambassadors of the water. We share the waters with humans and nature. The ability to return in the future to these destinations is everyone’s responsibility.

Upon your arrival to the water destination or boat launch, ensure you are parked in the correct location and not…

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