Kayaking to the core

My core kayaking classes at Pure Austin are off to a good start. I've had 2 folks over the last few weeks who have shown up consistently. The word's getting out about how much fun you can have and what a workout you can get by paddling in the quarry.

What do we do in the class? Well, we do different drills, using basic kayaking strokes. What if you don't know a particular stroke? No problem! I review the strokes, as well as the basics of holding the paddle correctly, each class and we practice a bit before we begin the drills.

The drills are designed to really work the primary muscles that you use in kayaking. No, not your arms. We really work the abdominal, oblique, trapezius, and latissimus dorsi muscles - you know, those stronger, bigger, core muscles. The power behind the stroke! We also discover ways of getting the quadriceps and hamstrings in the action, too.

Actual paddling is just one element of a conditioning program. Flexibility, endurance, and strength are key elements, too. A guide that I've found to be really helpful is Rocky Snyder's Fit to Paddle. This guide shows you stretches, exercises, and techniques, and provides sample workout programs.

Let's get it going!