Steamboat Lake Marina

One of the very coolest offerings you will find at the Steamboat Lake Marina is the wide selection of non-motorized boats we have for rent. So as a helpful way to get you started thinking about your interest in lake kayaking, here are some quick tips to remember.

On a personal note, the first time I ever tried kayaking I got about 2 stokes deep and flipped like a drunken sailor. It was then and there that I decided to give all those whitewater studs I’d see in the local rivers credit where credit is due. Your first foray into the fun and freedom of kayaking can initially be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be if you remember these simple things:

#1) Use the right paddle. Longer paddles are used for more relaxed, even strokes while short paddles are meant for more powerful, vertical strokes. When kayaking Steamboat Lake, we typically recommend going with a longer paddle style.

#2) You may not already know, but some paddles are specifically designed for right or left handed people. Check your paddle or ask someone to find if your paddle is dominant-hand specific.

#3) Offsetting your paddle blades can often help make your strokes smoother and longer, with less splash. This can typically be done by twisting the right and left sides once you’ve unlatched the small attachment button in the middle.

#4) To paddle with offset blades, the correct approach is to keep your dominant hand firm on the paddle while your other hand stays loose. Allowing the paddle to easily twist through your loose hand while your dominant hand controls the blade angle is the correct form.

#5) Paddling is NOT just in the arms! Your most powerful strokes should actually stem from your torso and core muscle strength. This will keep your arms from turning to rubber and prevent soreness later when you’re trying to roast marshmallows by the fire.

#6) When possible, try exercising the muscles in your hips and lower torso. Utilizing these muscle groups more effectively will lead to better control of the edge of your boat and your angle to the water.

Hopefully these quick tips will help keep your top end dry! Unless of course it’s a hot day on the lake. Then it’s perfectly acceptable to tip like a Weeble!

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