Edging

Edging will improve your ability to turn your kayak. Edging is used in a wide range of paddling environments from flat water to powerful surf, particularly for non-ruddered kayaks.

By edging your kayak you change its underwater profile. Edging will also reduce the waterline and lessen the amount of resistance between the hull and the water. The greater degree of edge applied, the greater the effect on your kayak.

Technique Tips Common mistakes Practice drills

Practice drills

  • Take the edge to the extreme level of your comfort zone before you capsize. How far up the side of the kayak does the water reach? Can you maintain an edge when the water reaches your skirt? 

Discover the 3 degrees of edging:

  1. Shift your weight onto one buttock on the side to which you are edging. 
  2. Maintain your shift in weight and bring the knee on the opposite side into light contact with the underside of the deck. 
  3. Maintain the same shift in weight and bring the knee firmly into contact with the underside of the deck to lower the edge to the point just before you feel you will fall in.
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