According to Dennis Stuhaug, author of "Kayaking Made Easy: A Manual for Beginners With Tips for the Experienced," learning how to kayak can be an easy and enjoyable process. In less than a day you can learn to push your kayak offshore, paddle efficiently and guide your vessel in a straight line. There are many different classes available to learn how to kayak, and many include various games that will make learning fun.
The Kayak Star
The Kayak Star is a game described by author David Harrison in his book "Whitewater Kayaking." The objective of the game is to have all the players stand up in their kayaks at the same time. The game is intended to teach confidence in the water and balance in the boat. It is best played with at least 12 players, says Harrison. All players get into their kayaks and steer them until they are in a circle formation. Each player removes his spray skirt, scoots to the back of his kayak and places his feet firmly in the seat. Each player must then use his arms to encircle the players on each side of him. Once everyone is attached, the players try to stand up at the same time without falling in the water. Harrison writes that falling is a part of the game and will teach kayaking students to fall safely and to become comfortable with the water.
Kayak Polo
According to Harrison, Kayak Polo teaches players how to steer their boats, how to paddle effectively and how to reach their destination quickly. It is best to play this game on flat water such as in a lake or swimming pool until players are better able to gain control of their kayak, writes Harrison. There are two teams of players, and all that is needed is a net for each team, one placed at each end of the play area. Players cannot hold other players' boats, the ball must be in the water while they are moving, and they must help other players who have fallen out of or tipped over their kayak. After a ball is thrown into the middle of the play area, teams must use their paddles to try to get the ball into the opposing team's net. Each time the ball goes into the net, one point is earned. The winning team is the one to reach five points first.
Sharks and Minnows
Sharks and Minnows is a game of tag that teaches paddling, aim and speed, say Bill Burnham, Mary Burnham, Stephen Gorman and Eli Burakian, authors of "Knack Kayaking for Everyone: Selecting Gear, Learning Strokes, and Planning Trips." The game begins with one player becoming the shark and the other players becoming the minnows. The shark must paddle around the play area trying to tag the other players. When a player is tagged, she becomes a shark as well. Play continues until only one minnow is left. The last minnow is the winner and becomes the new shark for the next round. This game prompts kayaking students to use different maneuvers to accomplish their goals.
References
- "Kayaking Made Easy: A Manual for Beginners With Tips for the Experienced"; Dennis Stuhaug; 2006
- "Whitewater Kayaking"; David Harrison; 1998
- "Knack Kayaking for Everyone: Selecting Gear, Learning Strokes, and Planning Trips"; Bill Burnham, Mary Burnham, Stephen Gorman and Eli Burakian; 2010
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