TBSK Training Day – Bracing and Edging –

Going back to the basics is vital. About 25 years ago, I took kayaking classes; however, I felt like a novice this weekend. In a touring kayak where one wears a spray skirt that keeps the water from flooding the cockpit, one must know how to remove the skirt while upsidedown in the water. It’s an easy task to do and requires only three seconds; I can hold my breath close to a minute—more than enough time to do a wet exit. “Remember not to lose the paddle and hold on to the kayak, so the wind does not blow it away. Do it again. One more time.”

“You are going over.” The instructor says as Jean, our coach, rolls the kayak to one side. “Raise your paddle. Snap, twist.”

“Lean farther. Lean, lean. Now, while edging, do a 360° turn.”

After a couple of hours, it is time to gather for lunch at the park.