Matt's Last Blog- How to Kayak Joust

          Hey guys, Matt here. Unfortunately Keeners is coming to an end this week, so this will be my final blog. I've had a terrific time here, and learned at ton. One of the many things I have learned here is kayak jousting. Kayak jousting involves at least two kayakers standing up in their boats, and using their paddles to push their opponents boat over. Today I'm going to share some tips I've learned to make it easier.
          To even try kayaking jousting, you have to first stand up in your boat. To do this I like to grab the cockpit rim near my hips, slide my feet out of the front of my boat, and slowly shift my weight forward. My favorite stance is with my left foot forward, directly in front and to the left of the seat, with my shin touching the cockpit rim about 6 inches from the center. My left foot swings below my butt, with the ball of my foot on the seat, and my right knee-cap touches the cockpit rim at about the same spot where my hips normally are. I then have the ability to stand up and crouch back down without changing my stance.
         When actually jousting, I crouch down to a medium level, not all the way down or up, and try to face the side of my opponents boat. IMPORTANT: You cannot push someone's body. You have to push their boat only. The trick to flipping someone is to press down on their cockpit rim with your paddle blade, making them edge over to one side, and fall over. Try not to put your blade in their cockpit because it likely won't tip them and it may hit their leg. Some important things not to do include, playing in shallow water, swinging your paddle at someone, throwing your paddle, etc.
          Just remember to be safe while jousting, and have fun! It's one of my favorite things to do at the end of the river and I hope you get the chance to try it too.
-Matt