Three weeks ago I was chasing down rapids in Germany, Luxemburg and Belgium for the first time and now I am at home. Locked up with my wife and three kids. Covid-19 turned the world upside down.

Building Paddling Skills Without Paddling?

The weather is getting better, much better, and we want nothing more then to go out and paddle. Fact is, we can’t (or at least shouldn’t) right now.

Staying inside as much as we can will save lives right now. We need to protect the people we rely on most in this time of need.

For me paddling isn’t just a relaxing activity, it really has become a way of life. And now that I am sitting at home I still like to keep building and expanding my paddling skill set. Getting better equipped to handle yourself out on the water is never a bad thing right? But how do we do just that? Let’s find out what we paddlers can do during this time of quarantine!

1. Brush up on your “Paddling” Theory…

Why not use this time to get some serious learning done! Get your hands on some books and video’s which teach you new skills to use on the water later on. And don’t forget the other useful skills not directly related to kayaking techniques.

Do you know what to do when you get stuck out on the ocean? Or do you know how to navigate with a compass? Remember there are a lot of different fields dipping into the paddling sports.

It won’t hurt to read up on survival techniques (for on the water or in deserted places), knots, learning about the weather, winds and waves, or focusing on how to instruct and help others. All useful skills that could help you during upcoming trips!

I also made a YouTube playlist which I will be filling with some of my favorite instructional videos the upcoming weeks!

What I’m Reading

Lucky for me I can read dutch and Rein Hagenaars wrote a great book about kayak surfing (https://www.kajak.nl/brandingkajakken.html). You can pick it up for not even €20! It teaches you not only about techniques but also about reading the weather and sea, and the beautiful animals and plants you might encounter out at sea.

Another tip for the Dutchies is Mattijn Vroon’s “Ik kajak”. Which is an extensive beginners resource for kayaking (https://www.kajak.nl/ik-kajak.html).

2. Get Training!

It’s tempting (at least for me) to sit on the couch and watch TV. But we need to keep those paddling muscles in top shape for when get to go out again!

What to train?

For kayaking the conciseness is you should focus on your endurance (cardio), strength (shoulders, arms and core), and your balance. Here are some great articles to get you started!

How to Build a Training Schedule

By far one of the best (and most helpful) resources I have found is NerdFitness’ page on how to build a training schedule yourself. Complete with home exercises you can do without equipment, and HOW to do them properly!

Following their guide I build my self a 4 day workout schedule to keep me in shape the coming period.

Monday & Friday Sets Reps HIT spinning – 20 min Squats 3 8 Hip Bridge Hold 3 10 Elevated Push-up 3 15 Inverted Row 3 8 Planks 3 1 min hold Balance Exercises – 5 min Wednesday & Sunday HIT spinning – 20 min Lunges 3 8 Hip Bridge Hold 3 10 Elevated Push-up 3 15 Pull Ups 3 8 Hanging Knee Tuck 3 8 Balance Exercises – 5 min

Disclaimer; Make it your own

Everyone’s need and capacities are different, so please don’t just blindly follow my schedule. Easy into things and tailor your workout to your own personal needs and limits.

3. Get That Gear Ready!

Is your kayak or canoe looking lonely sitting out in your yard or shed? Why not give it some love and work on it? Get it ready for the trips coming up.

Clean it a little better then usual. Check your deck lines, outfitting and hatches. Readjust or take the time to finally tweak your setup. Order in that part you wanted to get for a long time and take your time fitting it. Repair those scratches, and replace those broken or missing wingnuts.

And don’t forget your paddle and other gear! I am taking this time to finally propperly brand my gear. I am marking my paddles and sewing nametags in my jacket and bags.

Working on your boat and gear can be just as relaxing as paddling if you take your time. And maybe by the end of this dry spell your boat and gear will look and feel brand new!

4. Plan Some Trips…

Take this time to plan ahead to hit the water running when life returns to normal (and let’s believe it will!). Pickup some maps and books of where you’d like to go paddle (or download apps like Go Paddling). Need inspiration? Give these pages a view.

Try finding maps and books specifically made for planning trips on water. If you can try to get your hands the most up to date versions!

There are great free online resources to find and plot routes. The planner function of OpenSeaMap.org for instance or even just Google Maps. My paddlers from the Netherlands (and parts of Belgium) can use MarinePlan which has a great watermap with actual route finding for free!

If you’re done planning why not make your self some nice maps to bring during those trips you planned. Here is an nice article by Canoeing.com to help you on your way.

What I’m Reading

I picked up a copy of “Kano Paradijs Nederland” (The Netherlands, Kayaking Paradise) and have been printing maps and taking notes! (https://www.kajak.nl/kano-paradijs-nederland-43-kanoroutes-plus-div-inf.html)

5. Follow a (Free) Online First Aid Course

Something you will enjoy the rest of your life is a taking a first aid course. Though nothing beats the real deal, but an online class is a great way to you started and get down the basics.

Doing a quick online search will give you a broad selection of online first aid courses. Some will cost you money (which might be money well spent) but there are many free courses available as well. Try and find a certified source though so the information you are getting is correct. Red Cross offers some great courses all around the world which can be taken online.

Because of the lock-down the Dutch Red Cross offers a free online course right now. You can find it here.

6. Watch Some Wicked Video’s…

OK, so after all your hard work you might just want to relax and turn on some Netflix. Or…. you could watch some kick ass paddling video’s to inspire you! I made a YouTube playlist with some of my favorite video’s to get kayaking dose!

Got Suggestions?

If you have any suggestions or tips on how to build your paddling skills from home, let me know! Leave a comment right here or hit me up on social media!

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