The Docksider


Our Dock Mounted Kayak Lift Rack

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How to Paddle a Kayak for Optimal Performance

If you want to get the most out of your kayaking experience and achieve optimal speed while expending minimal effort, you need to focus on good stroke technique. Having a good stroke will not only make you more efficient in the water but will save your arms from getting tired as quickly. Here are some pointers to get you moving: 

How to Hold the Paddle

Look at the blades of your paddle. You will notice that there is a slightly longer side of the blade. This long edge of the blade should be on top. You will also notice that the blade isn’t perfectly flat, there is a scooped side. This scooped side should be facing you to help propel you through the water. 

Now that you know how the blade should look, it’s time to learn how to hold the paddle. A helpful tip for getting the right-hand placement on the paddle is to rest the paddle on your head and move your arms until they sit at a 90-degree angle, like a goal post. Feel free to differ your hand placement while kayaking until it feels comfortable to you. Doing so will work different muscles in your arms and can help keep your arms from fatiguing as quickly. Lastly, it is best to keep a light grip on the paddle as it is better for your joints and allows your wrists to stay straight. 

Using a Forward Stroke 

Once you have your hand placement down, it’s time to start moving. Place the blade of the paddle in the water near your foot. Twist your torso over to the side of the submerged blade and use your core to push yourself through the water. Pull back with your other hand as you move forward. You know it is time to switch sides when the blade in the water lines up with your hip. Your core is a larger muscle group than your arms; let it do most of the work, otherwise, you will tire out your arms very quickly. Also, having a good upright posture will help keep you balanced in your kayak and ensure you are utilizing your core muscles properly.

Changing Directions Without Losing Speed

A sweep stroke is used to help you steer the kayak or slightly change directions. To do this, lean forward in the kayak while maintaining your balance. Put your blade in the water in front of you and make a large sweeping motion, ending towards the rear of your kayak. It is helpful to follow the paddle with your eyes to make sure you are moving your paddle as far back as you can. 

How to Stop Your Kayak

To stop your kayak, you will need to use a reverse stroke. To do this, place the blade of the paddle behind you towards the rear of your kayak. Use your core to push the paddle forward, pulling back with your other arm. Do this on both sides to slow yourself down. This can also be used to propel you backward in the water. 

Paddling a kayak takes practice, but mastering these techniques is worth the effort. By using an overhand grip, engaging your core muscles, and keeping your paddle perpendicular to the water, you’ll find yourself moving faster and maintaining your energy for longer. The next time you head out in your kayak, keep these key paddle strokes in mind. Before you know it, you’ll be gliding across the water! 

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We are Open and Fulfilling Orders

DockCraft Industries LLC

April 6, 2020

Our Response to COVID-19

To our Valued DockCraft Industries Customers, Followers, and Friends,

In these unprecedented and difficult times, we hope this message finds you safe and healthy.  We at DockCraft, like you, are adjusting to this new way of life and are learning methods to be more responsible in our everyday activities.

DockCraft is a small online business in Western New York and we want to assure you that we will maintain operations in support of our customers,  The safety and well-being of our Staff is of utmost importance to us. We have implemented and continue to follow the CDC guidelines.

Probably, the most significant bond we all share is the love of being on the water!  What better way to get our exercise and practice social distancing!!  Our goal is to make that love easier and more convenient.

Happy Paddling!!  Be Safe

Cindy & Ed Wrobbel
Owners of DockCraft Industries LLC

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The Many Health Benefits of Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

By Ed Wrobbel, www.DockCraft.com

paddle boarder and kayakers

I was perusing the internet and came across numerous articles associated with the health benefits of kayaking and paddle boarding. Actually, any paddle sport.

The many articles claim 8 to 20 “top” benefits which I found very interesting.

Kayaking and Paddle Boarding skills can easily be learned in a day. And can be improved upon with each trip you take, all while benefiting your physical and mental health.  Of course, the more often you paddle, the greater benefit you’ll receive.

Physical Benefits of Kayaking and Paddle Boarding:

A low impact activity  – Even if your joints are weak, paddling will help you benefit from aerobic fitness, strength building, and greater flexibility. Don’t risk wear and tear on your joints and tissues, go paddling.

Burn those Calories    – Paddling along at 5 miles per hour, without wind and heavy currents, will burn approximately 400 calories per hour.

Fitness – While paddling, every mile you travel it will require approximately 500 strokes.

Core Strength – Every time you complete a stroke, your abdominal muscles contract and do a fair amount of work. Stronger core muscles will help you in all activities, increasing your endurance and changing the way your body looks.

Arm Strength – During a kayaking session the two main by-products of the work is exercising the biceps and triceps. As you are taking a paddle stroke, the bicep in one arm is pulling the lower part of the paddle and the tri-cep in the other arm is pushing the top of the paddle forward thus putting torque on the paddle which creates work for both muscles. Each session will build your upper body strength overall.

Leg Strength – Your legs are an important part of balance within the kayak and the rocking of your board as you paddle. As you learn a better paddling technique you learn to work the legs with the hips to help turn, stabilize or brace the kayak or board.

Cardiovascular – Low impact exercises like kayaking and paddle boarding certainly support heart health. Paddling, even just fifteen minutes per day, will improve your cardiovascular system. You can alter your kayaking or paddle boarding sessions to be as easy or challenging as you want. The faster you paddle, the harder your heart pumps to get moving.

Balance – I recently had an ankle injury and my Physical Therapist had me doing balance exercises while standing on a semi hard foam pad. Similarly, the more you practice paddle boarding, the better your balance will be both on and off the water. Paddle boarding develops your sense of stability which helps in daily life as well as in other sports.

Vitamin D – is something that our bodies need to function properly. Those who don’t have a healthy amount in their system are prone to fatigue, depression, bone weakness, chronic pain and more. Being outside in the sun helps your body get that special vitamin it needs to function properly. Just remember to bring sun screen!

Mental Benefits:

Stress Reduction – It’s a long day at the office, you are thinking of all those emails you have to send and the demands of your deadlines. Well forget all of that stuff and jump into a kayak after a long day of work! Truth is there are lots of ways to de-stress … going to the gym, going for a walk …but none of them can compare with the tranquility of floating on the calm water and being in the great outdoors. Spending a few hours under the sky, on the water watching the colors of the blues, the greens, the grays, and the browns is enjoyable. When you add the physical activity of paddling it can greatly reduce stress allowing you to think clearer and giving you a better night’s sleep.

Emotional – The time spent in nature is probably one of the most surreal things you can experience!  If you are a couple kayaking with a favorite activity such as fishing or touring then it increases your positivity tenfold! It also provides the opportunity to bring people closer together such as families, couples or friends!

Mental Clarity – It has been proven time after time that doing some sort of physical activity then returning back to work helps you get through the day with more focus and determination. This is no different when kayaking! Being out in the open water is very meditative and allows your brain to release those thousands of thoughts that are racing through your brain and instead, enjoy the moment. In fact, many people make it a routine to do some kayak exercise after work as it helps them de-stress and enjoy being in the moment. When you’re paddling over the lake or the sea, you might find that your daily stress and worries are left ashore. While paddle boarding, your brain is focused on the physical movements and environment of paddle boarding, leading to mental clarity and a chance to disconnect from the world of social media, work, and other everyday details.

For those waterfront owners, spend your energy on your paddling journey.

Use the DockCraft Industries Kayak / Paddle Board Lift and Dock Storage Rack

Stow your gear until your next journey.

It’s Neat / Convenient / Affordable

Just Load, Lift, and Store!

www. DockCraft.com

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Are You Considering Buying a Paddle Board (SUP)?

March 9, 2019 | Ed Wrobbel | DockCraft Industries LLC

Interests in Paddle Boarding
Paddle Board Types

Paddle Boarding offers:
– The Serenity and Solace of the open outdoors and the quiet of the water
   lapping against your board.
– The Core Body workout that Paddle Boarding offers; or
– Quiet time with friends, away from the everyday pace.

There are a few things you should be aware of before your purchase:

Paddle Board Construction – 4 basic paddle board construction techniques:

Epoxy Fiberglass Paddle Boards: a solid board made with an EPS foam core (similar to a high-density foam cooler) wrapped with fiberglass and epoxy. Fairly lightweight, stable and rigid.
Pros: Generally, the most stable, faster, good tracking and control.
Cons: Most difficult to transport and store, can be dinged or cracked, more expensive.
Good for recreational and touring Paddle boarders.

Soft Top Paddle Boards: similar to Epoxy Fiberglass boards, but the top of the board is covered with a sponge material that shows less dings and scratches.
Pros: Good for a beginner who is more likely to run into docks, rocks, or other obstacles. Falling down on the board is less likely to hurt.
Cons: Extra padding makes these boards slightly heavier, more prone to punctures
Good for water front owners, recreational paddlers, and one size fits all.

Thermoplastic Paddle Boards: a molded shell around a foam or hollow core.
Pros: Less likely to ding or scratch, heavy daily use, Beginning paddlers
Cons: Heavier than other boards, less maneuverable and performance oriented.
Least costly

Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board (ISUP): constructed of heavy-duty commercial PVC. Cross stitched construction which creates an air pocket / core. When inflated, the board is very rigid, similar to a basketball.
Pros: Portable and can be stored easily when deflated. Less likely to be damaged when hitting obstacles.
Cons: Needs to be inflated prior to use; inflating device must be transported as well as. A slight performance degradation as they tend to float on the water as opposed to cutting through the water.

Paddle boards have 4 dimensions that you should be familiar with:

Paddle Board Volume (a function of length, width, and thickness).
The volume determines the load capacity of the board – can it support your weight?
You do not have to be very concerned about this as most boards have the volume and weight capacity labeled on them. Select a board where your weight is within the range provided.

Paddle Board Length  – Longer boards are typically faster and go straighter, whereas shorter paddle boards are more maneuverable.

Paddle Board Width – The most important in regard to stability. Narrower boards go faster. The extra stability of a wider board may make you feel more comfortable and paddle more efficiently.

Paddle BoardThickness  -Inflatable paddle boards are 6 inches thick and hard paddle boards are generally 4 inches thick. Thicker inflatable boards make you feel higher above the water and are more stable, however, the performance is not as good.
Hard Paddle Boards are shaped to reduce weight and optimize performance, yet less stable.

 

Paddle Board Configurations:

Nose shaped paddle boards:

Wider noses have more flotation and provide more weight capacity for gear and pets.
Pointier/ Narrower noses cut through the water / waves more easily allowing better performance in racing and cruising conditions

Tail shaped paddle boards

Pin Tail (which approaches a point) has good tracking, but not as stable on turns. Good for racing.
Square Tail provides stability and the ability to turn. Good for touring and shorter racing.
Round Tail, a combination of the Pin and Square Tail, is stable and easier to turn. Good all-around tail for SUP’s, but typically not used on race or high-performance boards.

Other paddle board features:

Fins: Fins help with tracking of your Paddle board, but most importantly they help you from having your board “spin / slide” out while turning.
All Paddle Boards come with fins; usually one, two, or three.
The single fin is great for lakes, bays, and ponds. The three-fin setup is best suited for the surf. The greater number of fins, the more specialized your board becomes.

 

Accessories Required for Paddle Boarding:

Paddle: Clearly, the paddle is required to propel you and your board through the water. Your paddle should be 6 to 10 inches taller than your height.

SUP Leash: This is a cord that attaches to you  (at your ankle or calf via a Velcro strap) and your board (coiled or straight). This leash is the only means of connecting you and your board. This safety device prevents your board from getting away from you in the event you have a mishap (loose your balance, stormy conditions, collide with something). Without the leash, your board could get away from you in just seconds. Additionally, your loose board could pose danger to others.

PFD (Personal Floatation Device): An extra safety feature for you in the event of a mishap.

Inflation Pump: Required for Inflatable SUP’s

 

Classification of Paddle Boards:

– All Around Paddle Boards
These boards have a round nose that is slightly raised out of the water in the front. This will push the water down while lifting the nose up. Great to handle waves. These boards tend to be 10 to 12 ½ feet in length and 30 to 34 inches wide. For greater stability look at the wider side of this range. Great for beginners, the casual paddler, Yoga and fishing. They are not the best for racing or touring. (Also, a good board for Yoga and Fishing)

– Touring Paddle Boards
These Paddle Boards typically have a pointed nose (to cut through the water) and are designed for longer, calm water paddling. Typically, these boards are longer and narrower, which results in less stability and less maneuverability. These boards tend to be longer (12 to 14 foot) and narrower (29 to 30 inches) which contributes to the speed needed for racing.

 

Hopefully this article will give you the required background information to have an educated conversation prior to the purchase of your SUP / Paddle Board and to fit your intended use.

 

Wait there’s more…… After Purchase needs!

Transporting your Paddle Board / SUP Home:
Once purchased, you will need to get your Paddle Board / SUP home! If you do not have a car top carrier (which, in most likelihood, you could purchase at the location you purchased your Paddle Board / SUP)) a pickup truck or a larger SUV, you could always rent a trailer from a local trailer rental agency.

Car topping your Paddle Board / SUP to your launching site:
– There are several sporting goods stores or online stores where you can purchase a car top carrier for Paddle Board / SUP.

Do you have waterfront property?
Check out the DockSider Paddle Board / SUP Dock Lift and Storage Rack @ https://dockcraft.com/paddle-board-lift-rack/
– Our Paddle Board / SUP Lift and Storage rack offers convenient launching and storage capability right where you need it – On your Dock! We have models that will suit your needs; whether you board your Paddle Board / SUP directly from your dock, or if you board your Paddle Board / SUP while you are in the water.

DockCraft Industries’ patented design allows you to load and lift your Paddle Board / SUP directly from the water. With our leverage assisted design, you only lift a fraction of your Paddle Board / SUP weight!
– Keep your Dock clear for safe passage.
– Watch our videos at https://dockcraft.com/product/Paddle Board / SUP-dock-rack/
– Half way down the page; select the video’s tab.

And Finally, Winter Storage :
– In the Off Season, you will need to store your Paddle Board / SUP away from the water.
– There are many Wall Mount racks available on the internet that will satisfy this purpose.
– You could also utilize the DockCraft Wall Mount Conversion Kit. This Kit will modify your DockSider Dock Lift and Storage Rack to a Wall Mounted Rack.

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Holiday Gifts for Paddlers

Whether it be Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa, finding a gift for the paddler in your life is pretty easy with online shopping.

Use your favorite Browser, and search for: Paddling, Kayak, or Paddle Board – and one of the following:

  • Holiday Decorations – You can find numerous kayaking or paddleboard ornaments.
  • Back Bands and Seats – Sitting in a kayak for a few hours is not easy on the lower back. Kayak back bands are devices that fit into the seat area of the kayak and provide lower back support similar to those you find for car seats.
  • Apparel – Whatever the weather, the kayaker and paddler needs to be dressed for it. If it’s hot or cold; wet or dry. Remember, layering is key. A couple of thinner layers is better than one thick layer.
    Find layering shirts and pants, wet suits / dry suits, Hats, paddling boots, and more.
  • T Shirts – There is an abundance of websites offering a variety of men’s and women’s Kayak and SUP T shirts.
  • Waterproof Adventure Journals – These Journals are waterproof that let Kayakers, Paddle Boarders, and any outdoor adventure enthusiast to keep notes during and after their trips. The adventure journal is perfect for writing down impressions, routes taken, things seen, people met, etc.
  • Kayak and Paddleboard Racks –
    • Auto Racks; If you have to transport your kayak or paddleboard via a Car or SUV to the water; these racks are a must. There are many companies that offer these units for sale.
    • Dock Racks and Lifts: If you live on the water, these racks offer the convenience of having your Kayak or SUP right at the point of use – over the water. Save your precious dock space.
      At this point I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our Docksider Kayak / SUP Lift and Storage Rack. “The DockSider” offers numerous features including lifting assist which reduces the weight being lifted via a patented leverage design.  Also; minimize rain entry into the cockpit as the kayak rolls over during the lift having the bottom facing upward. Shop now.

    and of course

    • Kayaks and Paddle Boards, nothing better than receiving a new one as a gift this time of year!!

    We hope this helps in giving you ideas for this Holiday Season,

    Best – Ed