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Kayaking Articles
How To Kayak Using The C - Strokes!
by Joe Okoro
The C- Strokes is a means of handling the boat in such a way that perfect control is achieved during competition. Another similar method is Pry-strokes. They are both used in Whitewater racing competition. The main function of the pry stroke is for overcoming obstacles that may involve a zigzag maneuvering of the kayak or boat.
If you want to Pry-stroke, you have to allow the shaft of the paddle to brace against the ledge of the boat. This can be done from the end of the kayak. A variety of methods is used to maneuver the boat in a difficult situation where obstacles such as poles and sharp corners can overcome the boat. For Kayakers who are competing, team work and planning is necessary inorder to fully utilize the best strokes to win.
Accomplishment through team work: When it comes to competition in Kayaking, a lot of practice goes on. The teams involved have to individually practice each and all the strokes that will be employed in the competition. A group is then assigned to undertake one form of stroke in a particular situation whereas another group is assigned to another. Then collective micro competition is done to test the competency of the group prior to the competition.
To successfully kayak, a lot of dedication, experience, practice and maneuverability goes on. That leaves no room for guesswork. The team learns how to win as a group. Hence all practice is geared towards one purpose; the aim of winning. Any mistake by any member who inadvertently uses a wrong stroke such as the J-stroke instead of another, can slow the whole group and consequently lead to loss of time which may never be gained back. This is apart from the fact that non-uniformity of strokes can cause the kayak to capsize in some cases.
It might interest you to know that Kayaks are Sports boats. They are usually light weight in mass and one of the common material used for Kayaking is fiberglass to disallow too much weight which can cause a drawback during competition. To use a Kayak, some kayakers make a choice in the type of paddle to use. We have single and double bladed paddle. However, these two paddle deliver different results.
Experience shows that a double bladed paddle leaves more strenght with the kayaker than a single bladed paddle which may need two if it is to achieve the strokes that the former achieves.
To fully acquaint yourself with Kayaking and other stroking technicalities that comes with it, you can visit the internet to get good information on this subject.
You can also visit public or school libraries to get more information on Kayaking, Pry-stroke, J-stroke, C-stroke and so on.
