The true enjoyment of kayaking begins if you understand how to make a kayak track better.
Kayak tracking is a broad concept, and this context refers to the capacity of the kayaker to maintain solid control as well as steering of the kayak. As expert kayakers would explain, it is related to the motion of a kayak in such a straight path.
So, you can be ensuring yourself that you are a better kayak tracker when your kayak will be moving along a straight line, and you will be in control of it.
In this article, we will discuss how to improve kayak tracks.
What is a kayak track?
Tracking is a concept that means the process of paddling in a straight line at all times. In kayaking, it refers to the excellent steering as well as control of your kayak to ensure it is moving along a straight line.
Kayak tracking is often used to describe the ease with which a kayak can turn.
However, some factors such as wind, waves, etc., can make tracking difficult. As a result, tracking abilities must be trained and developed.
What does it mean for a kayak to track well?
A better kayak track is usually a broad concept and has a lot to do with it. Managing a kayak properly in any situation means maintaining its steering, and controlling is the identity of a skilled driver.
That is to say, a kayak is an excellent track to maintain its steering and controlling performance properly.
And this will allow you to keep your kayak moving along a straight line. For an excellent kayak truck, you need to apply some special techniques.
Why doesn’t your kayak track well?
Tracking your boat can feel complicated to you for a variety of reasons.
And for various reasons, you may be unable to kayak on a straight road, or some things may be an obstacle for your better kayak tracking.
As the strong winds can tilt the kayak in any direction as well as the paddler’s lack of experience in controlling the boat in a straight line can also cause him to fail in good kayak tracking.
It can also be caused by a faulty kayak or the inability of the kayak that choose to perform certain functions.
But, regardless of the obstacles that stand in the way of your kayak’s control and steering, you can be assured that a solution is available to you.
Tips to Make a Kayak Track Better
It is the job of an ideal person to adapt to any situation.
However, no matter what situation you encounter during kayaking, you can better track kayak by following the equitable method. Here are some tips to Make a Kayak Track Better.
1. Proper posture of the body
The position of your body is significant to make a kayak track better. When kayaking, you should relax your abdomen and shoulders as well as maintain an upright position of your body.
If your body leans in any one direction, the kayak’s high pressure will cause the boat to bend in that direction, which will prevent you from better kayaking.
Furthermore, keeping your eyes mostly on the horizon will assist you in keeping your balance. Allow the waves to propel your kayak as you begin to use your blade if there is a current.
It’s worth noting that even the tiniest movement might cause your kayak to swing from side to side, so avoid exerting pressure on one side when kayaking.
2. Grip the Paddle Correctly
A proper, as well as accurate paddling, is the key to good kayak tracking. Adequate speed is essential to move a boat forward, and to make this speed; you need to grip the paddle properly.
Hand position and the strength of the arm are significant factors in creating adequate motion. When engaging the paddle’s shaft, your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle.
This type of gripping will give you maximum power to increase speed and provide better control. In addition, maintaining a straight path in your kayak requires holding your paddle appropriately.
3. Use a small paddle
While the big paddle is more effective for kayaking or boating, it is more difficult to control, especially for a beginner. That means you can complicate kayaking by using a long paddle.
So, to get good kayaking performance, you should consider a small paddle as it will give you better control. In this case, a 200 to 220 cm paddle may be the best choice which will play a good role for better kayaking.
4. Strokes help to make a better track
Intense wind flow, unbalanced inclination, and even the weight of the load can stop your kayak. In this case, using strong and calculated strokes can give you good results to keep the boat on the right track.
Strokes are mainly of two types:
- Sweep Strokes and
- Rudder Strokes
And their use depends on the current situation.
One of the most popular strokes among paddlers is the sweep stroke. The boat will be able to maneuver away from the route and back on track as a result of this.
When you’re in the center of a group of sluggish kayakers or the boat is being buffeted by the wind, though, it’s best to paddle in the opposite direction as quickly as possible.
This is where radar strokes may assist you.
5. Use the Rudder or Skeg
The main problem with kayaking is wind and water waves. The combination of waves and wind can make controlling the kayak a bit challenging.
Rudder and Skeg can help you max in this situation. Similar to feathers upon that edge of such an arrow, the Skeg helps to stabilize the bow.
This will assist you in securing the boat firmly against the power of the wind, which may otherwise push the boat to one side.
On the other hand, a rudder is a strong, thin fin-like blade that extends through water from the stern edge of a kayak and helps it steer.
It has the ability to be moved from side to side, altering the flow of water along the edge and providing a force to the edge, which causes the boat to turn mainly in the direction of the force applied.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that it is best not to use Rudder and Skeg when the sea is calm and your kayak is not affected by wind, as these will be of no use except as an additional addition.
Instead of this, you should consider using a forward stroke on only one side.
FAQ
Why does a kayak turn into the wind?
The kayak turns into the wind due to the pressure difference between the bow as well as the stern of the kayak, which is caused by the wind.
Why does my kayak spin?
The main reason for the spin of kayak is wind. Even a modest blast of wind might send the kayak spinning. It can also be caused by the position of your body in the kayak as well as faulty paddling.
What Throws You Off Track When Kayaking?
There are various factors that can interfere with your kayaking. Strong wind and strong sea waves are some of them that are particularly significant.
How important is a rudder on a kayak?
A rudder’s significant benefit is that it makes it easier to deal with the power of the wind upon that kayak.
Furthermore, it aids in maintaining boat motion without any need for additional power-sapping correction strokes.
Final Thought
For those who have just started kayaking as a complete newcomer, kayaking tracks may seem a little complicated. Or a better kayak tracking can be a bit hard for experts due to strong wind as well as water waves.
However, you should not be concerned since the techniques we just described will assist you in keeping control of your boat in any situation.
These tips on How to Make a Kayak Track Better will probably help you track your kayak better.
