What is a Standing Wave?

Standing waves, also known as stationary waves or seiche, are groups of waves that bounce up and down on a bounded or enclosed body of water. A standing wave results when two equal waves go in opposite directions. In this post, we will be talking about the properties of standing waves, as well as the science behind it. It’s very interesting to learn how nature works, allowing you to fully utilize your skills, especially when you encounter one of these when surfing. Now, let’s get on with the discussions.

What is a Standing Wave?

What are Standing Waves?

The Discovery of Standing Waves

Surfing and Standing Waves

Conclusion

What are Standing Waves?

Simply put, standing waves are the product of two propagating waves that travel in opposite directions. It is a combination of two opposite waves that have the exact same wavelength and amplitude. The intersection between the waves is referred to as nodes while the maximum amplitude’s positions are referred to as antinodes.

How to Load a Sea Kayak: Get Ready for an Adventure!

The waves, wind, paddler height and weight – all these must be considered when you’re thinking about loading a sea kayak for an expedition. Those and of course a quick check of the weather forecast. Loading a sea kayak can be quite tricky and unfortunately, basic courses wouldn’t show you what you need to properly do it.

Lucky for you, we have here in this post everything that you need to know about how to load a sea kayak. Generally, the heaviest items go as low as possible while the lighter ones should be on the higher end of the kayak. These things, including some tips, will be discussed in detail in this article so be sure to read until the end so learn more about it. Now, let’s begin the discussions.

How to Load a Sea Kayak: Get Ready for an Adventure!

How to Load a Sea Kayak

Different Ways of How to Load a Sea Kayak

Carrying a Sea Kayak

Putting a Sea Kayak on a Vehicle

Tying Down a Sea Kayak

Conclusion

How to Load a Sea Kayak

The goal is to have your kayak trimmed and equally balanced before and after. With this, you might need to look at the kayak’s side view while it’s empty, floating in the water. Keep in mind that the loaded kayak will still look the same as the empty one but it will be sitting a little lower, mainly because of the added weight.

Another thing you must be aware of is that if you put too much weight forward will only make your kayak too immersed on the bow rather than the stern. The kayak tends to turn into the wind’s direction when this happens. It doesn’t have to be a bad thing and in fact, this could also be an advantage, especially if you’re paddling upwind. However, keep in mind that this might also make your kayak a little bit more difficult and challenging to maneuver and control.

Meanwhile, too much weight backward may only cause your kayak to turn downwind. This is a clear advantage if you’re paddling downwind. However, this again might cause you a problem with controlling the kayak.

A trimmed kayak would be best for all-around performance. While this may be the case, you must still be vigilant in case the weather changes, in which you may have to go the other way and turn around. When getting close to land, you still have the option to stop and reload your kayak. However, doing so might just be impossible if you’re doing an open crossing.

Not only would you want your kayak trimmed on the forward and backward portion but you would also want it trimmed on the sides. If you’re carrying heavy gear on one side, the boat will naturally lean on that side. This, again, might cause some control issues because the kayak will inevitably carve turns in the opposite direction.

With this, you might want to load the heavier items low and along the kayak’s keel – close to the cockpit. In addition, you would also want to wedge your gear into place so that they don’t shift from one side to another when there’s an apparent wave action or when the kayak in preparation for a turn or while you’re bracing into a wave.

Different Ways of How to Load a Sea Kayak

Loading a sea kayak is not such a terrible task to do but it’s very important that you know how to properly load it onto your vehicle to make sure that it’s secure even when you’re on the road.

Carrying a Sea Kayak

Carrying a kayak with two people is very simple. Each person only needs to grab an end of the kayak by its handle found at either the stern or bow. Then, both persons need to lift the kayak. Instead of one person having to backpedal, both persons can freely face the same direction when transporting the kayak. In fact, carrying two boats at once can be done just by taking a handle from each kayak in each hand.

On the other hand, carrying a kayak alone is still very doable – unless your kayak is very heavy. All you need to do is to stand on the kayak’s left side while facing it. Then, squat down and take ahold of the cockpit’s edge that’s closest to you. After, pull the kayak’s edge up to your thighs.

Try reaching across the boat using your right arm and then grab the kayak’s inside by the cockpit’s underside. As you begin to stand up, try lifting the kayak to your right shoulder. Finally, the cockpit’s rim should rest on your shoulder. It is also very important to note that finding a balanced position is essential so that your kayak would not tip forward or backward.

Putting a Sea Kayak on a Vehicle

Via: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/transporting-kayak-canoe.html

Before attempting to put your kayak on the top portion of your car, be sure to have the following: crossbars, rack or padding, cam straps, and bow and stern lines. Using the crossbars and the padding already installed and the straps and lines ready to be used, you can quickly place your sea kayak on the top of your car.

If you’re by yourself, it might be beneficial for you to use a lift system, getting some rolling wheels, or using a towel or a blanket. When loading more than one sea kayaks, you might want to consider adding a second rack. You may also opt to use stacker bars to keep your boats secure.

Tying Down a Sea Kayak

When tying down your sea kayak, it’s very important to keep everything simple. You may use fancy knots and straps, which may seem cool, but what’s important is to try to do it as quickly as possible and using the most secure ones. It may also be a big help if you use a ladder, especially if you’re short and you have a tall vehicle. This wouldn’t take so much space, as you can keep this small stepladder in the back, allowing you to use it for reaching the straps, which makes the whole process a lot easier.

Conclusion

We’re now at the end of the post and we hope that you have learned a lot about how to load a sea kayak. While these are all very easy to do, what’s important is that you need to check how everything is every 15 minutes of driving. You might need to pull over at the side of the road to keep track of everything. You may also need to give your kayak a quick and forceful tug just to make sure that it’s still secure at the top of your vehicle. Hopefully, you get to put this new learning to the test when you set out on your next sea kayaking adventure

How to Push Through Waves: The Right Way To Do It

The push through technique, also often referred to as the punch through technique, allows you to get past a broken wave and at the same time, reaching the lineup without needing to turtle roll or duck dive. It is an optimal method that will allow you to get past a small wave, especially when riding a bigger surfboard. The way it works is that it uses the flotation and the speed provided by the surfboard to be able to drive yourself through the wave, rather than under it.

In this post, we will be discussing everything that you need to know to perform this very useful maneuver in surfing. With the added challenge of getting out the back using a bigger surfboard, this technique eliminates the need to get into the water for you to survive an upcoming wave. If you’re curious about what to do, then let’s get on with the discussions.

How to Push Through Waves: The Right Way To Do It

How to Push Through Waves

What Are the Different Push Through Techniques?

1. Push-up

2. Duck Dive

3. Turtle Roll

Conclusion

How to Push Through Waves

When practicing the push through or the punch through technique, all that you need to do is to paddle harder towards the whitewater. Then, utilizing your subtle yet technical push-up maneuver, you’ll be able to quickly and effortlessly ‘push through’ the wave. Keep in mind that this technique is best done in flat water areas, which is also perpendicular to the approaching wave. While this would require you a lot of practice, here’s what you can do to practice as you approach a rolling wave:

Via: https://barefootsurftravel.com/livemore-magazine/paddle-push-waves

• When there’s a broken wave in sight, try paddling towards it.
• As you paddle, remember to keep your legs together.
• While keeping your legs together, place both of your toes on the surfboard’s tail.
• Then, try grabbing the rails using both your hands, just near the pectorals.
• This is the part where you need to apply your push-up skill. Do a slight push-up then arch your back.
• Then, go with the flow and allow the wave to roll on the top portion of your surfboard.
• To maintain the momentum, continue your out-the-back paddling.

Keep in mind that everything will be a lot easier when you’re carrying enough speed. With this, we don’t advise that you stop and just wait for the whitewater wave to reach you. Doing so would only make you lose your balance and eventually fall off the surfboard’s side. If you find that the wave may be too strong or too big, there’s a chance that you won’t be able to push through it. However, it may still depend on the surfboard you’re using, whether you’re going to need to perform the classic duck dive or the turtle roll.

What Are the Different Push Through Techniques?

Once you’re paddling out, the most important that thing that you need to deal with is the breaking surf. With this, you might want to avoid the wave’s initial impact, as it’s the most powerful part of the whitewater wave. Even when you’re confident, there still might be a chance that you’ll be fighting against broken waves. After all, it can be such a frustration, especially if you don’t have a push through technique in place. You might also end up spending more time making up for the lost ground instead of riding the waves. Here are some of the techniques you might want to incorporate in your training:

1. Push-up

The push-up method would be best, especially when approaching smaller waves. However, you must gather a lot of paddling momentum. Then, as you approach the broken wave, push up so that the wave rolls on top of your surfboard and just beneath your chest. Remember to head directly into the wave. On the other hand, when you’re sideways or angled, the wave would only knock you off the surfboard.

2. Duck Dive

Via: https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/how-to-duck-dive-big-waves

When you see that the surf is a little too powerful, the best thing for you to do is to go under the broken wave. The duck dive is considered a very common technique and can be beneficial for you if you surf from two to 10 feet. To be able to perform this maneuver properly, you need to paddle toward the broken wave using maximum speed.

Before you encounter the impact, try grabbing the board’s rails using your hands and then push the nose of the surfboard underwater. Then, press the tail of the board using your dominant foot, which would effectively guide your board against the turbulence. This motion, when paired with the tail’s weight, allows you to pop back up after the broken wave gets past you. However, keep in mind that a beginner board might be too buoyant to be able to perform a proper duck dive. Besides, using a lightweight and small board wouldn’t guarantee that you’ll the trick a lot faster.

3. Turtle Roll

In case you have a board that’s too big and buoyant to press underwater, then you might want to consider doing the turtle roll technique instead. As you approach the wave, you only need to grab the rails well ahead of the shoulders. Before the impact, you must be able to turn your board over so that it sits on the wave’s surface, with the fins on the upward position.

While you’re beneath the surfboard, a frog kick is likely to propel you against the broken wave. Once the wave gets past you, try rolling right side up. Doing so allows you to defend yourself against an upcoming loose board or a delinquent surfer. When you so one coming your way, do the turtle position and roll yourself away from the hazard.

Whatever method you end up doing, keep in mind that it’s bad surfing etiquette to just leave your surfboard unattended, especially when other surfers are around you. To add, the surfer who’s up and riding always has the way. Once the surfer has established a direction, everyone is obliged to move in the opposite direction, even when it would require you to paddle against the breaking wave and getting impacted with whitewater. To be able to avoid these violations, you might want to master the push through technique before you begin surfing in crowds.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve reached the end of the discussions, it’s not time to put this learning to the test. We admit that it won’t be an easy skill to perfect but with constant practice, we trust that you will be able to do it no time. If in doubt, you just need to refer to this guide to determine which technique works best for you and your surfboard

How to Tow a Kayak: Learn the Right Way To Do It

Kayaking with a buddy has always been a great thing to do on a weekend. But what happens in case you or your partner gets into trouble? Do you know what to do in case you need to tow your friend’s kayak? This is where the importance of knowing how to tow a kayak comes into play. In case you don’t know, there are several types of towing setups that you can make use of and we will be discussing some of them in this post.

In this article, we will be focusing on the tow belt, as its ease of use and access is exceptional in these scenarios. Also, it has the capability to position the line optimally, as well as anchor low and staying centered on the torso, allowing a more stable tow. We will also be discussing when a tow is vital, what exactly the tow belt does, and how to properly use in a typical situation. Keep in mind that using a tow belt or any other type of towing setup entails the knowledge of towing and rescue lessons from an experienced instructor and to practice the skill until you become used to it. Now, let’s proceed with the discussions.

Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips: Here’s What You Should Do

Whitewater rafting is thrilling! It is one of the best water activities for those who would like to put their adrenaline into the test. However, it can also be unsafe. Injuries and deaths are possible, especially if you go unprepared.

If you are planning a trip to brave the rapids, keep on reading and learn from the whitewater safety tips we’ll be talking about. You can be confident that you will have a seamless experience and that there is a minimal chance of ending up with a serious injury.

How to Warm Up Prior to Swimming: The Best Ways to Prepare

Warming up is important before you start swimming. This prepares your body for an intense physical activity. It helps in the delivery of oxygen to the muscle groups and regulates breathing. It also increases your body temperature, minimizing the likelihood of an injury. It makes the muscles supple and improves efficiency. Warming up also increases your energy, and hence, you won’t easily feel tired.

If you want to learn how to warm up prior to swimming, keep on reading and learn from the tips we’ll share. The proper warming up techniques is important to fuel your movement once you are in the water.

Surfing Tips and Tricks: How to Improve Your Take-Off at an Angle

One of the most important surfing techniques that you need to learn is the take-off at an angle. This is crucial because it sets the tone of the entire ride. The failure to do it properly will affect your momentum. You might end up immediately falling off the board and unable to chase the wave.

As many experts would say, the take-off is the bread and butter of surfing. However, it can be more difficult than what you have initially thought. Standing on the board is already a challenge, which becomes more difficult when doing it at an angle and when confronted with overwhelming waves.