Claire Glenn prepares to enter the kayak.
OMN May Meeting Notes – Kayaking with Dave Lindo
Dave Lindo, of OKC Kayaks, gave a humorous, energetic and thoroughly enjoyable presentation on kayaking for novices to our OMN membership at our May meeting. This was the prelude to our Advanced training and kayak outing scheduled this Saturday, May 16th at Stinchcomb wildlife refuge.
Dave, a fellow naturalist and also a volunteer at Martin Park Nature Center, encouraged us that we as volunteers, in sharing our excitement and interest in our natural world, not to be discouraged by the often heard bad news about our environment, and to remember that we really do make a difference by our outreach efforts.
With this Dave launched into his passion of kayaking. He spoke of it as a great club and a growing network inclusive for everybody and anybody…all ages, abilities, disabilities and shapes and sizes! He cited one woman, 101 years of age, that enjoys the outings. Kayaking is an exceptional way to explore and view the flora and fauna of a wildlife area!
Dave brought a 13 ft. kayak for demonstration and had it perched on a tabletop for display, so we thought. The demonstration turned out to be more “hands on” as he demonstrated kayaking techniques with member volunteers.
Claire Glenn, his first victim, went up and stood as directed at the kayaks side, when she was suddenly swept off her feet by Dave and plopped into the kayak on the table. It took us all by surprise, especially Claire! Though not the best image posted here, you can see her predicament.
Claire good-naturedly accepted her fate perched on top of the table in the boat. Claire was demonstrating how you basically “wear” the kayak, by using your knees slightly bent outwards, to stabilize yourself and the boat. Plucked out after the demonstration, she quipped “I didn’t know I would be the comic relief!”
Dave asked us what fears we associated with kayaking and some offered “get stuck” or “die” as their answers. But he explained that if you were to tip over, falling out was easy, or, you could push yourself out. Once in the water, the kayak will float, so can you can hang onto it and your paddle and you will survive nicely.
Balancing when in the kayak is not difficult, but if you begin to tip, your reaction should be counter to our habits of breaking a fall. In other words, keep your head and shoulders towards the center of the boat, and away from the direction of tip.
Kayaking does not take a lot of strength. With proper posture, paddling technique and blade positioning there should be no strain to be suffered. Using your torso, and not your arms, to do most of the work and wrist positioning are all geared to reduce work and stress.
Dave covered safety and explained wearing the life vest was the only way to utilize it as it’s a bear to try and put one on once IN the water. A bilge pump is also standard equipment, should waves wash water into your hull.
Dave has kayaked in Alaska and other beautiful country, but says when asked where his favorite kayaking area is, his answer is always Oklahoma. Ironically, Oklahoma, “the dust bowl” state, is now an official Olympic training site for flat water sports.
Join our OMN members Saturday at Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge for a sure to be entertaining and educational float with Dave.
See our Advanced Training blog announcement for details!