New to Kayaking?

Canoeing and Kayaking is one of the fastest growing sports in the United Kingdom. It is a fun sport, which genuinely has no age barriers.

Situated at one of the most picturesque riverside campsites in Yorkshire. Go2h2o has the added advantage that you can try out the kayak of your choice in a friendly and safe learning enviroment, with the option of camping on site.

Not only can you learn how to get started, Go2h2o can provided you with everything from equipment to coaching. We will be running regular taster sessions and courses running all year. Let us know what your needs are, so we can help you on the route to your development.

Please contact Simon (07768 480554) to book lessons and to find out more about how to start kayaking. info@go2h2o.co.uk.

Everyone at Sleningford Water Mill and Go2h2o look forward to seeing you soon.

Click here for information about Sleningford C & C Park

Beginners Guide to Kayaking

There are a large range of river kayaks on the market, some of which are very specific for their intended use. New boats are safe, strong and able to survive the bumps and scrapes that river running will throw at them. A good starter kayak is one which falls in the middle range of kayaks.

A short boat will not have as much speed, but will be move manoevrable and a longer boat will have more speed but less manoerable.

KAYAKS 

Key Features

Edges- A boat with defined edges will help grip the water for preforming manoeures

Size- Kayaks come in various sizes, sit in and try different sizes, find one which is comfatable for you.

Footrests- You should ensure that your boat has some sort of footrests/ plate or padding which can be adjusted to suit you. a footrest allows you to have more control of your kayak.

Buoyancy- In addition to the boats built in foam buoyancy, add airbags to the back (stearn) of your kayak if you are using it on moving water.

Outfitting- You can outfit your kayak to ensure a comfatable and snug fit, adding additional padding to the inside around feet, hips and knees, also allows better kayak control.

Backrest- A good supportive comfatable backrest is a must!

PADDLES

Paddles come in various sizes designs and materials, depending on your size and what type of kayaking you intend doing.

Length- Children paddles are normally around 180 - 185cm, Adult paddles 191- 200cm. Generally the taller you are the longer the paddle.

Blade size / Shape- The blades can vary in the size and shape, normally the less strength you have the smaller the blade. Blade shapes vary, a symmetrical curved blade is fine to start with, but a asymmetric curved performs better.

Feather- The paddles can vary in the amount of feather they have. Feather is the offset between the two blades, Normally between 45 and 60 degrees, high end paddles will often be 30 degrees.

Shafts- Come in various diametersand designs. Smaller handed paddles should consider a small diameter shaft. straight shafts are widley used, again high end paddles are normally available with straight or cranked shafts.

KAYAKING SKILLS

With river kayaking there are some core skills you should never stop developing!

Boat- edge / balance, mastering edge control is a key element to all kayaking.

Body- Upper and Lower

Lower- develop a feel for what is happening, feel what the various parts of your lower body are doing, and develop these.

Upper- Thre basic positions. Neutral (upright) Defensive (leaning back) Aggressive (leaning forwards) Neutral is always a good position to start from

Blade- Develop effective precise, linked strokes, Keep the blade active.

Head/Eyes- Look to where you want to go. Learn to read and understand watr featurs and what they will do to your kayak.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST EXPLORE WHAT YOU AND YOUR KAYAK CAN DO AND HAVE FUN FUN FUN>