GETTING COMFORTABLY SEATED IN THE KAYAK
 

BODY POSITION

Sit up straight.

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LEG POSITION

Place your feet on the footrests inside the kayak, with your legs slightly bent. Your knees should be in light contact with the sides of the kayak for better stability.

 

WITH A CHILD

If you are paddling in a tandem kayak with a child, it is best for the child to sit in the front, where they can paddle without affecting the direction.

HOLDING AND USING THE PADDLE
 

HAND POSITION

Hold the paddle with your hands shoulder-width apart. Your thumbs should wrap around the paddle without gripping too tightly.

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BLADE POSITION

Place the blade in the water with a slight angle so that it follows the current and provides better propulsion.

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BASIC TECHNIQUES
 

PADDLING TO THE LEFT

Paddle on the right side to turn left.

 

PADDLING TO THE RIGHT

Paddle on the left side to turn right.

 

BRAKING

Slow down by placing your paddle vertically in the water to create resistance.

 

USING THE PADDLE AS A RUDDER

To change direction, lightly place your paddle in the water on the side you want to turn toward.

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READING THE RIVER
 

ALWAYS LOOK AHEAD

Anticipate obstacles such as rocks or branches to avoid getting stuck.

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SMALL WAVES = SHALLOW WATER

Areas with small ripples indicate shallow water where you may touch the riverbed.

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FOLLOW THE CURRENT

Choose sections where the water appears calmer on the surface but flows faster underneath. These are often the safest passages.

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WHO STEERS THE KAYAK?
 

THE STEERER SITS AT THE BACK

In a two-person kayak, the person sitting at the back has the most control over the direction and acts as the "captain". They should adjust their paddle strokes to keep the kayak on course.

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COORDINATION IS KEY

The person in the front sets the pace, while the person in the back adjusts the direction. Good communication between both paddlers will make the journey smoother.

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SAFETY
 

IF YOU CAPSIZE

Stay calm. If you find yourself underneath the kayak, always swim toward the light.

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DO NOT GO ALONE

Unless you are completely confident in handling your kayak, it is best to paddle with a partner and keep an eye on each other to ensure that nobody becomes trapped under a kayak.

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LIFE JACKET MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES
 

For your safety, wearing a life jacket is mandatory throughout your kayak trip. Please do not remove it once you are on the water.

In addition, Naturokayark asks you to wear a T-shirt underneath your life jacket for hygiene reasons, particularly because of sunscreen and perspiration.

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HAVE FUN!
 

Enjoy nature and don’t forget to take breaks to admire the scenery.

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Have a great kayaking trip and enjoy yourselves!