The importance of stretching. -Noah Harley

The importance of stretching So why should kayakers bother stretching? Stretching allows for your muscles and joints to have a wider range of motion and make said motion more fluid.  That means you when you are in your boat you can really make your strokes clean and strong, as well as place your boat exactly where you want it to be.  In other words, it means you can keep your line or rapidly correct it in a wicked rapid. Stretching also decreases the risk of injury by increasing your coordination and flexibility.  In your boat, it helps you feel strong and in control of your paddle strokes.  Your core muscles in particular need to be strong and flexible to keep your boat stable.  A wobbly boat is not helpful unless you like being upside down a lot. So how and when should kayakers stretch? Ideally, you should stretch before and after you paddle.  Before heading out on the water your stretching acts like a warm up so focus on more dynamics stretches targeting the core muscles and arms.  For your core, focus on lunges with a twist, hip rotations and leg swings.  For your arms/shoulders, you can try spinal rotations, arm circles, arm crossovers and shoulder circle shrugs. At the end of a long day in your boat, you can focus on static stretching to cool your muscles off and prevent tightening that ultimately keeps you in good shape.  Focus first on any sore muscles, to loosen them up.  If your abs are sore, try seal stretches or side bends.  For your arms and shoulders, you can try simple extensions in various directions. Stay limber and get out on the water!