newbie paddler

Cheryl Cato wrote:
>
> I recently received a kayak as a gift (Pelican Pursuit 11) and want to
> learn flat water paddling. Can someone suggest good books/instructional
> videos/DVD's to help learn good paddling techniques?

One of the best books on the subject is "The Essential Sea Kayaker" by
David Seidman. It covers both basic and advanced techniques clearly and
progressively, making them easy to understand and implement.
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

There is virtually no learning curve for such a craft when using on quiet
water. Just be SURE to wear your PFD. Basically, just hop in and paddle. It
helps to keep your eyes on a distant land mark to develop a straight line.
As far as properly using your paddle, when placing the blade into the water,
think of putting the paddle in at your feet and out at your hips, when you
place the paddle in the water, also think of "pulling" the boat to the
paddle instead of "pushing" the boat with the paddle. It's a matter of
putting in the time
"Cheryl Cato" <ccato DeleteThis @tamu.edu> wrote in message
news:dhf4se$l1f$1@news.tamu.edu...
>
> I recently received a kayak as a gift (Pelican Pursuit 11) and want to
> learn flat water paddling. Can someone suggest good books/instructional
> videos/DVD's to help learn good paddling techniques?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Cheryl
> Lyons, TX
>
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

Grip wrote:
> There is virtually no learning curve for such a craft when using on quiet
> water. Just be SURE to wear your PFD. Basically, just hop in and paddle. It
> helps to keep your eyes on a distant land mark to develop a straight line.
> As far as properly using your paddle, when placing the blade into the water,
> think of putting the paddle in at your feet and out at your hips, when you
> place the paddle in the water, also think of "pulling" the boat to the
> paddle instead of "pushing" the boat with the paddle. It's a matter of
> putting in the time

I have to disagree with this assessment. An efficient forward stroke
requires more than just sticking the paddle in the water and pulling it
with your arms. All the time in the world won't create a good stroke if
one doesn't understand the basic technique. It's not complicated, but I
see a LOT of "arm paddlers" on the water who would be better served if
they knew something about torso rotation.

Additionally, even a recreational paddler needs to know how to maneuver
their kayak, so reverse, draw and rudder strokes are important to know.
A low brace is necessary as well, since even flat water paddlers can
encounter boat wakes and such.

One needn't be a "serious" paddler in order to benefit from a good
knowledge of the basics of paddling.
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom.DeleteThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:fE9%e.26846$lW3.4254@trndny09...
> Grip wrote:
>> There is virtually no learning curve for such a craft when using on quiet
>> water. Just be SURE to wear your PFD. Basically, just hop in and paddle.
>> It
>> helps to keep your eyes on a distant land mark to develop a straight
>> line.
>> As far as properly using your paddle, when placing the blade into the
>> water,
>> think of putting the paddle in at your feet and out at your hips, when
>> you
>> place the paddle in the water, also think of "pulling" the boat to the
>> paddle instead of "pushing" the boat with the paddle. It's a matter of
>> putting in the time
>
> I have to disagree with this assessment. An efficient forward stroke
> requires more than just sticking the paddle in the water and pulling it
> with your arms. All the time in the world won't create a good stroke if
> one doesn't understand the basic technique. It's not complicated, but I
> see a LOT of "arm paddlers" on the water who would be better served if
> they knew something about torso rotation.
>
> Additionally, even a recreational paddler needs to know how to maneuver
> their kayak, so reverse, draw and rudder strokes are important to know. A
> low brace is necessary as well, since even flat water paddlers can
> encounter boat wakes and such.
>
> One needn't be a "serious" paddler in order to benefit from a good
> knowledge of the basics of paddling.

There is no right or wrong. There is something to be said for simply
experimenting and learning as you go. Some people really enjoy that and
learn well that way. Some people would rather start with tapping into an
experienced person's expertise from minute one. Others are somewhere in
between. I got in the water and went. Later on I enjoyed learning from books
and trying out what I read on the water.
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

"Cheryl Cato" <ccato RemoveThis @tamu.edu> wrote in message
news:dhf4se$l1f$1@news.tamu.edu...
>
> I recently received a kayak as a gift (Pelican Pursuit 11) and want to
> learn flat water paddling. Can someone suggest good books/instructional
> videos/DVD's to help learn good paddling techniques?
>

When I started I visited the local library. Most seem to have several books
on the subject -and they're free!

Good luck,

Roy
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

KMAN wrote:
> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom.RemoveThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:fE9%e.26846$lW3.4254@trndny09...
>
>>Grip wrote:
>>
>>>There is virtually no learning curve for such a craft when using on quiet
>>>water. Just be SURE to wear your PFD. Basically, just hop in and paddle.
>>>It
>>>helps to keep your eyes on a distant land mark to develop a straight
>>>line.
>>>As far as properly using your paddle, when placing the blade into the
>>>water,
>>>think of putting the paddle in at your feet and out at your hips, when
>>>you
>>>place the paddle in the water, also think of "pulling" the boat to the
>>>paddle instead of "pushing" the boat with the paddle. It's a matter of
>>>putting in the time
>>
>>I have to disagree with this assessment. An efficient forward stroke
>>requires more than just sticking the paddle in the water and pulling it
>>with your arms. All the time in the world won't create a good stroke if
>>one doesn't understand the basic technique. It's not complicated, but I
>>see a LOT of "arm paddlers" on the water who would be better served if
>>they knew something about torso rotation.
>>
>>Additionally, even a recreational paddler needs to know how to maneuver
>>their kayak, so reverse, draw and rudder strokes are important to know. A
>>low brace is necessary as well, since even flat water paddlers can
>>encounter boat wakes and such.
>>
>>One needn't be a "serious" paddler in order to benefit from a good
>>knowledge of the basics of paddling.
>
>
> There is no right or wrong. There is something to be said for simply
> experimenting and learning as you go. Some people really enjoy that and
> learn well that way.

I have yet to meet anyone who has developed good strokes without some
form of instruction, be it written, video or coaching. There's certainly
nothing wrong with dabbling around, but it's not likely to result in any
significant skill development.

> Some people would rather start with tapping into an
> experienced person's expertise from minute one. Others are somewhere in
> between. I got in the water and went. Later on I enjoyed learning from books
> and trying out what I read on the water.

Since the original poster was asking about books and videos, it seems
pretty clear what method she prefers.
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

in article F5u%e.2660$794.1892@trndny01, Brian Nystrom at
brian.nystrom.TakeThisOut@verizon.net wrote on 10/1/05 7:07 AM:

> KMAN wrote:
>> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom.TakeThisOut@verizon.net> wrote in message
>> news:fE9%e.26846$lW3.4254@trndny09...
>>
>>> Grip wrote:
>>>
>>>> There is virtually no learning curve for such a craft when using on quiet
>>>> water. Just be SURE to wear your PFD. Basically, just hop in and paddle.
>>>> It
>>>> helps to keep your eyes on a distant land mark to develop a straight
>>>> line.
>>>> As far as properly using your paddle, when placing the blade into the
>>>> water,
>>>> think of putting the paddle in at your feet and out at your hips, when
>>>> you
>>>> place the paddle in the water, also think of "pulling" the boat to the
>>>> paddle instead of "pushing" the boat with the paddle. It's a matter of
>>>> putting in the time
>>>
>>> I have to disagree with this assessment. An efficient forward stroke
>>> requires more than just sticking the paddle in the water and pulling it
>>> with your arms. All the time in the world won't create a good stroke if
>>> one doesn't understand the basic technique. It's not complicated, but I
>>> see a LOT of "arm paddlers" on the water who would be better served if
>>> they knew something about torso rotation.
>>>
>>> Additionally, even a recreational paddler needs to know how to maneuver
>>> their kayak, so reverse, draw and rudder strokes are important to know. A
>>> low brace is necessary as well, since even flat water paddlers can
>>> encounter boat wakes and such.
>>>
>>> One needn't be a "serious" paddler in order to benefit from a good
>>> knowledge of the basics of paddling.
>>
>>
>> There is no right or wrong. There is something to be said for simply
>> experimenting and learning as you go. Some people really enjoy that and
>> learn well that way.
>
> I have yet to meet anyone who has developed good strokes without some
> form of instruction, be it written, video or coaching. There's certainly
> nothing wrong with dabbling around, but it's not likely to result in any
> significant skill development.

Just about everything I enjoy in life I learned on my own terms, from tennis
to kayaking. I certainly did some reading and engaged in plenty of
observation of others, but not one minute of professional instruction. And I
daresay I can clobber many a tennis player who went to a fancy tennis
school, and while I haven't been measured for paddling efficiency, I've
never had a problem keeping up with anyone with godlike kayaking
qualification or managing the same conditions they do.

>> Some people would rather start with tapping into an
>> experienced person's expertise from minute one. Others are somewhere in
>> between. I got in the water and went. Later on I enjoyed learning from books
>> and trying out what I read on the water.
>
> Since the original poster was asking about books and videos, it seems
> pretty clear what method she prefers.

Mhm?
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

KMAN wrote:
> in article F5u%e.2660$794.1892@trndny01, Brian Nystrom at
> brian.nystrom.DeleteThis@verizon.net wrote on 10/1/05 7:07 AM:
>
>
>>KMAN wrote:
>>
>>>"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom.DeleteThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
>>>news:fE9%e.26846$lW3.4254@trndny09...
>>>
>>>
>>>>Grip wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>There is virtually no learning curve for such a craft when using on quiet
>>>>>water. Just be SURE to wear your PFD. Basically, just hop in and paddle.
>>>>>It
>>>>>helps to keep your eyes on a distant land mark to develop a straight
>>>>>line.
>>>>>As far as properly using your paddle, when placing the blade into the
>>>>>water,
>>>>>think of putting the paddle in at your feet and out at your hips, when
>>>>>you
>>>>>place the paddle in the water, also think of "pulling" the boat to the
>>>>>paddle instead of "pushing" the boat with the paddle. It's a matter of
>>>>>putting in the time
>>>>
>>>>I have to disagree with this assessment. An efficient forward stroke
>>>>requires more than just sticking the paddle in the water and pulling it
>>>>with your arms. All the time in the world won't create a good stroke if
>>>>one doesn't understand the basic technique. It's not complicated, but I
>>>>see a LOT of "arm paddlers" on the water who would be better served if
>>>>they knew something about torso rotation.
>>>>
>>>>Additionally, even a recreational paddler needs to know how to maneuver
>>>>their kayak, so reverse, draw and rudder strokes are important to know. A
>>>>low brace is necessary as well, since even flat water paddlers can
>>>>encounter boat wakes and such.
>>>>
>>>>One needn't be a "serious" paddler in order to benefit from a good
>>>>knowledge of the basics of paddling.
>>>
>>>
>>>There is no right or wrong. There is something to be said for simply
>>>experimenting and learning as you go. Some people really enjoy that and
>>>learn well that way.
>>
>>I have yet to meet anyone who has developed good strokes without some
>>form of instruction, be it written, video or coaching. There's certainly
>>nothing wrong with dabbling around, but it's not likely to result in any
>>significant skill development.
>
>
> Just about everything I enjoy in life I learned on my own terms, from tennis
> to kayaking. I certainly did some reading and engaged in plenty of
> observation of others, but not one minute of professional instruction. And I
> daresay I can clobber many a tennis player who went to a fancy tennis
> school, and while I haven't been measured for paddling efficiency, I've
> never had a problem keeping up with anyone with godlike kayaking
> qualification or managing the same conditions they do.

Did I say "professional instruction" anywhere? There are plenty of ways
to learn from other people besides paying them to teach you.

>>>Some people would rather start with tapping into an
>>>experienced person's expertise from minute one. Others are somewhere in
>>>between. I got in the water and went. Later on I enjoyed learning from books
>>>and trying out what I read on the water.
>>
>>Since the original poster was asking about books and videos, it seems
>>pretty clear what method she prefers.
>
> Mhm?

What is mhm?
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

in article jWN%e.3766$794.2630@trndny01, Brian Nystrom at
brian.nystrom.TakeThisOut@verizon.net wrote on 10/2/05 5:40 AM:

> KMAN wrote:
>> in article F5u%e.2660$794.1892@trndny01, Brian Nystrom at
>> brian.nystrom.TakeThisOut@verizon.net wrote on 10/1/05 7:07 AM:
>>
>>
>>> KMAN wrote:
>>>
>>>> "Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom.TakeThisOut@verizon.net> wrote in message
>>>> news:fE9%e.26846$lW3.4254@trndny09...
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Grip wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> There is virtually no learning curve for such a craft when using on quiet
>>>>>> water. Just be SURE to wear your PFD. Basically, just hop in and paddle.
>>>>>> It
>>>>>> helps to keep your eyes on a distant land mark to develop a straight
>>>>>> line.
>>>>>> As far as properly using your paddle, when placing the blade into the
>>>>>> water,
>>>>>> think of putting the paddle in at your feet and out at your hips, when
>>>>>> you
>>>>>> place the paddle in the water, also think of "pulling" the boat to the
>>>>>> paddle instead of "pushing" the boat with the paddle. It's a matter of
>>>>>> putting in the time
>>>>>
>>>>> I have to disagree with this assessment. An efficient forward stroke
>>>>> requires more than just sticking the paddle in the water and pulling it
>>>>> with your arms. All the time in the world won't create a good stroke if
>>>>> one doesn't understand the basic technique. It's not complicated, but I
>>>>> see a LOT of "arm paddlers" on the water who would be better served if
>>>>> they knew something about torso rotation.
>>>>>
>>>>> Additionally, even a recreational paddler needs to know how to maneuver
>>>>> their kayak, so reverse, draw and rudder strokes are important to know. A
>>>>> low brace is necessary as well, since even flat water paddlers can
>>>>> encounter boat wakes and such.
>>>>>
>>>>> One needn't be a "serious" paddler in order to benefit from a good
>>>>> knowledge of the basics of paddling.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> There is no right or wrong. There is something to be said for simply
>>>> experimenting and learning as you go. Some people really enjoy that and
>>>> learn well that way.
>>>
>>> I have yet to meet anyone who has developed good strokes without some
>>> form of instruction, be it written, video or coaching. There's certainly
>>> nothing wrong with dabbling around, but it's not likely to result in any
>>> significant skill development.
>>
>>
>> Just about everything I enjoy in life I learned on my own terms, from tennis
>> to kayaking. I certainly did some reading and engaged in plenty of
>> observation of others, but not one minute of professional instruction. And I
>> daresay I can clobber many a tennis player who went to a fancy tennis
>> school, and while I haven't been measured for paddling efficiency, I've
>> never had a problem keeping up with anyone with godlike kayaking
>> qualification or managing the same conditions they do.
>
> Did I say "professional instruction" anywhere? There are plenty of ways
> to learn from other people besides paying them to teach you.

Certainly.

>>>> Some people would rather start with tapping into an
>>>> experienced person's expertise from minute one. Others are somewhere in
>>>> between. I got in the water and went. Later on I enjoyed learning from
>>>> books
>>>> and trying out what I read on the water.
>>>
>>> Since the original poster was asking about books and videos, it seems
>>> pretty clear what method she prefers.
>>
>> Mhm?
>
> What is mhm?

Mhm is "What is the relevance of that comment in consideration of the point
that was being made?"
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

All good points for sure, especially the torso rotation. I should have
mentioned that.....thanks
"Brian Nystrom" <brian.nystrom RemoveThis @verizon.net> wrote in message
news:fE9%e.26846$lW3.4254@trndny09...
> Grip wrote:
> > There is virtually no learning curve for such a craft when using on
quiet
> > water. Just be SURE to wear your PFD. Basically, just hop in and paddle.
It
> > helps to keep your eyes on a distant land mark to develop a straight
line.
> > As far as properly using your paddle, when placing the blade into the
water,
> > think of putting the paddle in at your feet and out at your hips, when
you
> > place the paddle in the water, also think of "pulling" the boat to the
> > paddle instead of "pushing" the boat with the paddle. It's a matter of
> > putting in the time
>
> I have to disagree with this assessment. An efficient forward stroke
> requires more than just sticking the paddle in the water and pulling it
> with your arms. All the time in the world won't create a good stroke if
> one doesn't understand the basic technique. It's not complicated, but I
> see a LOT of "arm paddlers" on the water who would be better served if
> they knew something about torso rotation.
>
> Additionally, even a recreational paddler needs to know how to maneuver
> their kayak, so reverse, draw and rudder strokes are important to know.
> A low brace is necessary as well, since even flat water paddlers can
> encounter boat wakes and such.
>
> One needn't be a "serious" paddler in order to benefit from a good
> knowledge of the basics of paddling.
>
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

Cheryl Cato <ccato RemoveThis @tamu.edu> wrote:
>
>I recently received a kayak as a gift (Pelican Pursuit 11) and want to
>learn flat water paddling. Can someone suggest good books/instructional
>videos/DVD's to help learn good paddling techniques?
>


I would like to say thanks to everyone who offered suggestions, tips,
helpful hintsand advice. I already have a stack of books, DVD's on the way, and
bookmarks tothe schedules of some paddling schools (about 100 miles away and
apparentlywinding down for the winter - but I'll see them in the spring!).

I've already learned a lot from the books and have had many "oh - so
that's it!"moments. I also already think my "beginner boat" will satisfy me for a
far shorterperiod than I originally thought. *wink* I was raised on the coast -
so that surf stuff is looking pretty fascinating.

Thanks again for everyone's help (and patience with us rookies)!

Cheryl
Lyons, TX
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

Cheryl,

There have been a lot of good suggestions made here and it sounds like
you are well on the way to pursuing your goal. As you read the dialog
between Brian and KMAN, you can see that some people prefer to learn
entirely on their own and others don't mind or even prefer getting
help from others.

I, like everybody else, started out as an arm paddler but have learned
to paddle efficiently from reading and watching videos. I would make
an analogy of riding a bike where you learn by yourself and just push
with your feet on the ground to propel the bike. But with some
outside help, you discover the peddals and an amazing increase in
speed, handling, stamina, and ... fun! I have found the same is true
with kayaking. In KMANs case, he might discover that by himself in a
few minutes, a few hours, or maybe a few years. But as I look at it,
life is short and paddlling days are relatively few.

Another thing happens when you look for help outside yourself. You
begin to trust others by learning from them. That, in turn, will
hopefully make you willing to share your experiences and learning
stories with others. It adds a new dimension to kayaking that just
plain makes it more fun.

Finally, as you learn, be humble but do not become discouraged. Things
take time. Whatever you learn, you must try to make it enjoyable and
even fun.

Lou
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler 

>The common assumption is often that learning
>is something to rush through in order to arrive at enjoyment.

I agree that it seems a lot of people do not want to spend the time to
learn. They would rather buy their learning in an instant package.
They feel that by shoveling money at a problem it will be taken care
of quickly.

>Oh, I'm all for sharing experiences with others. Do it all the time! But
>that's different from surrendering your ability to learn without outside
>help, which seems to me is a common mindset.

Seems you are going to extremes on us here. Neither Brian nor I ever
said to "surrender" your ability - its more like enhancing your
educational resources. What do you consider "outside help"? Is
outside help anything other than what my mind tells me to try or
change? Books, videos, professional instructors, and peers can all be
extremely valuable outside help in learning.

When I first learned to use a kayak I completely surrendered to what a
book told me to do. Up to that point I had been a canoeist all my
life and the book told me kayak paddling is different than canoe
paddling. I probably would not have discovered that by myself until
many months and sore shoulders later.

I guess what I am saying to the OP and others that are new to the
kayaking scene is be open to different avenues of learning. Don't be
closed-minded. I think whether you do it yourself or have other help,
it MUST be interesting and fun. Otherwise it will be short-lived.

>Learning is exciting. The problem is some people think it is something to
>avoid or get past as quickly as possible.

I agree. It is unfortunate that so many do not like the journey of
learing. I think learning, in itself, is a lot of fun. I think a lot
of people take it much to seriously too. Whether shoveling money at
the situation or not, some people try to learn too quickly which
completely destroys the fun of learning.

I addition to what you have said, I think there are people who, no
matter what the endeavor, feel professional help is always the best
way and the only valid way to learn. Unfortunately, those types can
get hooked up with a lousy instructor and their paddling ability and
probably their enjoyment of the sport will be lousy too. The best
instructor is one who not only teaches techniques, but also teaches
how to learn.

Lou
 >> Stay informed about: newbie paddler