Being a paddling addict can be a bit hard on the wallet—there’s always a tempting new piece of gear to acquire, another course to take, a new boat of your dreams (funny how that dream boat seems to change year to year) and of course those irresistible coastal destinations calling your name.
Here’s the real scoop—you don’t have to throw money around to become a better paddler. Read on for five free or cheap ways to improve your paddling skills.
Switch it up
Feel that your paddling skills are stagnating? Switch it up by paddling in different conditions, in new places, in different boats and with different people. Go for a night paddle (with proper lights, of course), try rescues in stormy conditions, paddle in waves with your eyes closed (use your judgment for safety here!), go out with a more experienced paddler or take a friend for their first paddle ever. Exhausted all local options? Hit the road and head to a new area to repeat all of the above steps. Any time we switch up the variables, we increase our chances of learning something new, and creating fun memories.
Go test paddling
Trying new boats can be a great way to expand your comfort level and paddling skills. Many outfitters and kayak shops offer regular test paddling sessions during the paddling season—make the most of these opportunities. Go ahead and try a boat with more or less rocker, scant primary stability, or perhaps something completely different like a surf ski or whitewater playboat. As you take each boat through its paces, you’ll learn loads about boat design, your own strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps you’ll even meet a boat or two that catches your fancy.
Paddling festivals and symposiums
While courses and trips can sometimes come with a large price tag, many of these events have accessible prices. Where else will you find so many dedicated paddlers, coaches and experts all in one place? Even a brief weekend of quality instruction can stretch your limits and give your skill development a boost for months to come.
Technology
Put all that screen time to good use. True, there are far more silly cat videos than kayak instructional videos out there, but YouTube and the Internet in general have some useful and inspiring material for paddlers of all skill levels. Even better, make your own video for some in-depth stroke analysis. If you have access to a GoPro, fantastic, but a friend with a smart phone on a nearby dock can just as easily get some informative footage of your various strokes.
Those who can, teach
Teaching with clarity and precision can be the ultimate test of how well we truly understand the fundamentals. Take out a newbie friend for a paddle or volunteer to assist on an introductory paddling course or local social paddle. You’ll gain great insight into the art and science of paddling, and perhaps you’ll discover an unexpected love for teaching.
