One trend with beginners is that they buy a boat that feels good and stable but then they outgrow it quickly. People make the mistake in thinking that wider is more stable. The problem is that the lower body has a harder time controlling the kayak, so it's actually less stable. Often some padding is installed to solve the problem.

One way to avoid this is to read up on a good design for your needs and take a lesson in boat control. A lesson like this usually includes: how to get in and out of a kayak, forward and back strokes, turning strokes (called forward and backward sweeps), sideways strokes (called draw strokes), hip snapping and bracing (how to keep yourself upright when the boat is wanting to go over). I think the hip snap is the key to success in a kayak. It is a counter-intuitive movement where one takes the boat from being on edge to being flat again.

Then find a shop that will let you demo kayaks, or go to a symposium or 'demo day'. Take a list of boats you want to paddle and work through the list twice - you'll be surprised at how different that first boat feels the second time around!

Boat designs range from hulls made to go long distances quickly (straighter keel, longer waterline), to boats made to poke around in marshes (wider, easier to turn). What you want is that balance between a straight-tracking kayak and one that is highly maneuverable.

When I demo a boat, I first paddle it quickly in a straight line to see how it feels and how it tracks. I line the tip of the bow up with something in the distance to see if it yaws. Then I initiate a turning stroke to see how quickly it turns while under speed. This is generally a forward sweep on the outside of the turn with the kayak slightly on edge (the outside edge lower than the inside edge). Note that to turn a kayak, it's important to put the kayak on edge to get the keel out of the water.

Next I practice hip snapping and bracing to see how it feels on its side. This gives me an idea of primary and secondary stability. I've noticed over time I've gone from a harder chine (with a V shaped bottom with flat sides) to a more rounded hull.

Finally I practice the pinwheel, moving the kayak in a 360 degree turn using first a forward sweep and then a back sweep while switching the edges. How few strokes does it take?

Test driving several different kayaks will help you select one which will meet your needs as your skills improve.

© Andree Hurley is an ACA Certified Instructor Trainer and Guide in Port Townsend, WA.

Ph: 360-379-4182, 206-669-1622

E-mail: kayak@onwatersports.com.Web: www.onwatersports.com/.