Back to Basics Editorial

August-September 1998

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Sue Handel

Photo courtesy of Sue Handel Quadra Island Lakes

I know that many of you reading this are future kayakers. You've seen paddlers on your local waters and boy, they sure seem to be enjoying themselves. It's hard not to be dazzled by the appeal of sea kayaking, especially when the weather is good and the outdoors beckon.

Others of you are old hands at kayaking. You've moved on from the basics and are busy looking up at the eagles or down at the sea stars.

Kayaking can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it. That's why kayaking suits expeditioners who spend weeks paddling hundreds of miles along isolated coastlines but also young families who want to explore the lake in front of their cottage. It suits the old and young, men and women, the able and disabled.

There is always more to learn. Some are content to learn just the basic strokes and leave it at that. Others continue on and experiment with bracing and rolling while the most dedicated will squeeze the pulp out of the sport and not only master advanced paddling techniques, but also learn about the dynamics of the ocean and the mysteries of the weather.

Almost everyone - no matter how experienced can benefit from some form of instruction. A few hours with the right teacher will fine-tune new skills, improve old ones and boost your confidence level. It's often the case that the more you know, the more you realize how much you have to learn!

Take stock of your ability. Be modest. Most intermediate kayakers tend to over-estimate their skill level, having never faced conditions that test them. So if capsize recoveries or surf landings make your palms sweat, consider signing up for a safe introduction to these and other skills that will undoubtedly come in handy one day. A good instructor will create a learning environment in which you won't be afraid to extend yourself and try something new, and you'll have fun doing it.

For our part, in this issue of Wave-Length we take you Back to Basics with a review of paddling strokes, advice on overcoming your fears, tips on keeping a group together and a story about making the move from client to guide. We also offer information about some great paddling destinations - notably Quadra Island, BC - and provide advice on responsible sun protection in the UV age.