Types of Kayaking Strokes

There are many different kayaking strokes but if you are just starting out there are basically three main strokes that you want to be concerned with… the forward paddle, the reverse paddle and turning the kayak.

The Forward Paddle (front to back)

This paddle will definitely be your most commonly used stroke. Start by sitting up straight and prop your feet right up against the foot rests in your kayak. This will help you to have a more powerful stroke. Place the paddle in the water close to the kayak right around where your feet are and then make the stroke deep. Pull back towards you with a relaxed grip and watch as you glide smoothly through the water. You will use this forward paddle stroke in all different types of kayaking and it will get you to where you want to go.

The Reverse Paddle (back to front)

This stroke won’t be used as often but it is just as critical to know. For this paddle you will need to use the back of the paddle blade. Place the paddle in the water right around where your hips are. Then push the paddle toward the front of your kayak while turning your torso. To achieve a more powerful stroke you can reach further behind your hips when you place the paddle in the water. Remember to keep your elbows bent in order to avoid injury and pull the blade out of the water when it is even with your knees. Also remember to check over your shoulder to make sure that nothing is in your way behind the kayak.

Turning your Kayak

Of course everyone who kayaks needs to know how to turn the kayak properly. If you are unable to turn your kayak you may end up causing some unnecessary and embarrassing crashes. The best way to turn your kayak is to do a deep reverse stroke (back to front) on the side of the direction you want to turn. Most people tend to do the opposite and use a forward paddle on the opposite side of the direction they want to turn but this will not be nearly as effective.

Learning these three strokes will get you just about anyplace you need to go. If you are tandem kayaking you can do these strokes together in order to achieve more power and faster speeds. Remember that the power behind your kayak will always come from your torso… not your arms or your shoulders. Focus on using your core muscles when you perform these strokes for optimum performance.…

Mini-Stroke – What is the Difference Between a Major Stroke & a Mini-Stroke?

When an individual experiences a stroke, they may experience a major stroke or a mini-stroke. Many individuals that experience a mini-stroke will delay seeking the medical attention required for the condition. As a result, it puts them at higher risk of experiencing a stroke that is considered to be life-threatening.

This is referred to as a major stroke. It could occur in a short time span of a mini-stroke, or in the future of the sufferer. Both a mini-stroke and a major stroke could result in major complications as far as the health is concerned. In this guide, you will learn about these two types.

Mini-Stroke

A mini-stroke is called a transient ischemic attack or a TIA in the medical community. The symptoms that are experienced with this type of stroke are similar to the symptoms that are experienced by those that have a major stroke. However, the symptoms do not last nearly as long as those do that accompany a major stroke.

This happens when an individual experiences a blockage or a reduction to the blood flow that goes to a certain section of the brain. The obstruction to the blood flow is typically a blood clot. Within a short time, the clot will typically go away or pass through the vein or artery and it allows the blood flow appropriately once more.

Many medical professionals state that a mini-stroke is a warning that an individual could have a stroke in the future. If this type of stroke is experienced, it is important to avoid delaying treatment as it could induce a major stroke. The Symptoms of this type of stroke include, but are not limited to the following:

• Numbness and tingling sensations may be experienced on one side of the body.

• Many individuals find that they are unable to appropriately move one side of the body when they suffer from a mini-stroke.

• Language may become difficult. Many individuals find that they are unable to speak right and that they are confused when it comes to which words to use.

• Many individuals that suffer from a TIA have a difficult time understanding words that are said to them.

• Many sufferers find that they experience physical complications such as dizziness and challenges walking.

Major Stroke

A major stroke happens when a blockage in a blood vessel or artery occurs. It could also happen when there is bleeding within the brain. When this happens, a section of the brain will immediately start to die. The part of the body that is controlled by the section of the brain that becomes damaged is affected. A stroke is always considered to be a medical emergency.

Signs of a major stroke that could be potentially fatal include numbness or paralysis on one side of the body, complications with the balance of the body, vision chances, speech that is slurred, confusion, and headache. Regardless of whether someone …