Equipment Whitewater kayaking

1 equipment

1.1 paddles

1.1.1 composition
1.1.2 shaft


1.2 other

equipment
paddles

there 3 main categories of differences between kayak paddles: composition, twist/feather, , shaft shape/length.

composition

earlier paddles made of wood , later heavy metal shaft , poly-synthetic blades. advances in technology today include carbon fiber shafts foam , carbon fiber blades on high end, , low flex light plastic on low end, rubber grips.

shaft

bent shaft paddles seen here yellow hand grips in use first person perspective.

paddles blades included historically measured on 200 cm, measure between 185 , 205 cm. industry has begun offer bent shafts ergonomically shaped relieve stress off of paddlers wrists. many companies offer specialized rubber grips ease paddlers grip , provide place feel hands should hold shaft. small , regular shaft thicknesses may available offer smaller paddlers more comfort while gripping paddle.

other

in addition boat , paddle there several other pieces of gear necessary whitewater paddling. buoyancy aid (ba) or personal flotation device (pfd), helmet, , spray deck (sometimes known sprayskirt) considered essential while throwbag, knife, , safety whistle recommended standard pieces of safety gear. many people wear nose clip since flipping boat normal part of whitewater experience. in addition boater must dressed appropriately water temperature, might wetsuit or drysuit. boat should equipped enough floatation make pinning less , enable recovery.