Take Up… Kayaking

By Team FHM · Sep 2010 · 2 min read

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Take to the rapids for a cracking upper-body workout and plenty of dunks in the Ganga

Is it like canoeing?

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No, canoeing is when you sit on a bench in the boat, knees bent, usually on a Year 10 outward-bound week. In kayaking you sit with legs outstretched and use a double-bladed paddle.

Sounds relaxing…

Not if you’re doing it properly. It’s your arms versus the water and superb for the upper body. But if you pick a good spot, the scenery can also be amazing.

Great. So I just get a boat and off I go!

Canoe enthusiasts, says, “Kayaking is not an enjoyable experience without proper coaching or training.” Best take their advice. There’s several Facebook clubs by Kayak enthusiasts in India (We were the 200th member on one) time to switch from rafting - all the world and its grandmother is hopping into one.

Where do I go?

Most rivers, beaches or canals, but the following are recommended:

The Ganga, Rishikesh

For paddling about

Indus, Ladakh

Beginners and intermediate expeditions

Dibang river, Arunachal

Kick ass beginners expeditions

Pro skills

Stuff you should know

Regardless of the type of kayaking, the key skill is being able to forward paddle – not just keep in a straight line but being able to do it efficiently, effectively and enjoyably. Achieving this will mean a faster boat speed, longer time in the water and greater control.

The ability to connect the boat, the body and the paddle so they are one unit and not three independent components is crucial. The canoeist should be ‘wearing’ the boat rather than just sitting in it.

Kayaking is excellent for both recreation and competition. There is a type of canoe and kayak for everyone – from sea kayaking, to challenging white water, to gentle river days out, to endurance events, to team canoe polo… the list goes on.