The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking by Derek C. Hutchinson

Author:Derek C. Hutchinson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781493024247
Publisher: Falcon Guides
Published: 2018-04-03T04:00:00+00:00

Reasons for Capsizing

Since a brace is designed to prevent a capsize from occurring, it is important to first review the main reasons a paddler does capsize. Anytime the paddler lets their center of gravity go beyond its capsize point in that given kayak, they will continue to go over until they hit the water. Cap-sizing on a calm day is usually due to carelessness or poor technique on the part of the paddler. Looking over to see the beautiful marine life is my favorite. If you overrun your paddle during a draw stroke, it is easy to go over.

Capsizing while performing a capsize recovery is not uncommon, usually due to losing your balance or your support slipping out of your hands. A panicked swimmer trying to climb onto your kayak can cause a capsize, especially if you are not ready for it. The same can occur anytime a swimmer climbs on your kayak, even if you are prepared for it.

Riding your kayak onto an obstacle—typically a floating log, rock, or other solid object—could throw you off balance. It is amazing how quickly you can go over when the sharp edge of your bow slides up onto a log that is barely at surface level. You are now balancing on the knife-edge. Your challenge is to back off of the log without going over. That supportive reverse sweep stroke (Figure 3.18, Chapter 3) would come in handy right now.

Outside forces that cause capsizes are the ones we are usually most concerned about, because we are not in control of them. We can only react to those forces. Paddlers can control the above-mentioned reasons for capsizing, if they pay attention. Wind, waves, and tidal streams are the outside forces provided by nature. Other moving boats or solid objects moved by nature could also knock us over. The forces that knock us over can cause the paddler to go over first or the kayak to go over first, or both at the same time.

Regardless of the reason, if you use the correct bracing technique, you should stay upright or get upright.

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