Core Skills

Basics

Body, Boat, Blade

Body

Boat

Blade

Control

Boat Handling

Stern Rudder

Low Brace Turn

Bow Rudder

Propulsion

Forward Stroke

Reverse Stroke

Stopping Stroke

Draw Strokes

Improving

Improving Your Forward Stroke

 

Forward Stoke Discovery

Introduction

Cadence

Hand Grip

Foot Focus

Blade Placement

Sightless Paddling

Summing up

Support

Support Basics

Low Brace

High Brace

Sculling for Support

History

The Hudson

History and Habitat

A Primer for Kayakers

Exploration

The Revolution

The North River and Clinton's Ditch

Druids at Heart

Ah Wilderness!

Industry

Empire Builders

The Need for Action

Storm Warnings

Rollin' River

Equipment

Paddle Basics

The Basics of Paddles

Ikelos Paddle and

Other Thoughts by Chris Duff

Ikelos Paddle

The British Influence

Some History

A Different Feel

Smooth

How does a Skeg Work?

Introduction

The ups and downs of skegs

Should I look for a kayak with a skeg?

Keel Strip Repair

Introduction

Materials & Tools

Masking

Sanding

Gel Coating

Finishing Up

Gel Coat Repair

Introduction

Preparation

Sanding

Gel Coating

Sanding

Finishing the Repair

Fixing a Holed Kayak

Introduction

The Hole

Cutting out the Damage

First Outside Gel Coat

Inside the Hull

Finalizing the Inside

Finalizing the Outside

How to Shop for Your First Kayak

Introduction

How Much Boat

Rudders and Skegs

Construction and Cost

Boats you wear

"Trying on" a Kayak

What's on deck?

The Test Drive

Roof Racks

The Roof Rack System

Bars & Feet

Cradles

Tying Down the Kayak

Prices for Different Systems

Knots & Hitches

Buntline Hitch

Navigation

Navigation

Introduction

Equipment

Rules of the Road

Tides & Currents

Variation and Deviation

Taking a Bearing

Plotting a Course

Transits & Contour Lines

Finding Your Location

Wind

Dealing With The Currents

Currents Not At 90º

Coast Guard Information

Vessel Traffic Service - New York

Boating Safety Hotline & Final Thoughts

Safety Skills

Safety Skills

Table of Contents

Becoming a Safe Paddler

Group Paddling

Paddling In Traffic

Coldwater Safety

Introduction

Cold Shock

Hypothermia

How Your Body Regulates Core Temperature

Types & Signs of Hypothermia

Treatment of Hypothermia

Cold Water Equipment

How to Dress

Safety and Theories

Above 70°

55° to 70°

45° to 55°

Below 45°

Rolling

Table of Contents

Introduction

History

Principles

Teaching Rolling

Types of Rolls

Special Circumstances

Conclusion

Rescue Skills

Rescue Basics

Rescue Strategies

Wet Exit

Righting the Kayak

Self Rescues

Without Exiting The Boat (Rolling)

Assisted Rescues

All-In Rescue

Special Recoveries

Recoveries Without Wet Exit

Special Circumstances

Surf, Rough Water, Rock Gardens

General Concerns

Signaling

Signaling Introduction

Signaling Equipment

VHF Radios

Using a VHF Radio

Distress, Urgent and Safety Signals

Cellular Phone Use Aboard Vessels

VHF Channels

Towing Skills

Towing Skills Basics

Towing Equipment

Short & Long Tows

Types of Tows

Specialized Towing Skills

Final Thought

Surf

Making Friends with Surf

Making Friends with Surf

Getting Acquainted

Leaning on a Friend

Landing and Launching in Surf

Surfing and Broaching