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Dock Inspections, Dock Repair

3 Common Dock Repair Problems and Fixes

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Routine dock inspections can help your waterfront investment last long after its installation. When you can catch minor dock repair issues early, you’re protecting yourself from more costly projects down the road. If you aren’t sure what to look for, these common dock repair issues are a good place to start.

Common Dock Repair Issues

Your water fluctuation, build process, and how your dock does in winter all play a role in what kind of repairs your dock might need. Just keep in mind, every dock has its own unique characteristics. Wooden docks will have different concerns than a stationary aluminum dock. Custom floating docks are different still.

1. Dock Deck Splintering

For wood docks, one of the biggest issues we see are that the deck boards start to splinter. Fortunately, this can be a relatively easy fix. You might need to sand down certain sections to prevent further breaks. In other cases, you might need to replace the entire board.

Obviously wood docks don’t last forever, but staying on top of the smaller dock repairs can help it stay sturdy through the upcoming seasons. If you want to avoid these maintenance details, you can always upgrade your dock to composite boards. These materials won’t splinter, plus they still have that natural look with a wood-like texture and design.

2. Dock Frames Rusting

Just as dock boards can splinter, other materials on your dock can have their own issues. Some types of docks can run into problems with their metal parts rusting. That’s why it’s so important to do regular checks for signs of rust around your dock. A quick inspection for rusted frames can help you feel better about your waterfront setup—and keep you safe!

If you see any problems around your dock frames, you’ll probably want to call on a local dock builder or waterfront company to come take a closer look. You might only need to replace a few parts for broken or rusted bolts. Then again, it might be time to upgrade your frame. Rust around your dock means it’s just a matter of time before something gets worse or snaps.

3. Dock Floats Sinking

Dealing with a floating dock means you might need to replace a float here or there over the years. On the bright side, these issues are pretty easy to spot. Noticing a sinking section is usually a clear sign that something is going on underneath your dock.

Reviewing the warranty for your encapsulated dock can help keep your repair costs to a minimum. You should also be able to reach out to your local dock builder to see if they can research that information for you.

Turn to Deaton’s for Dock Repairs!

Whenever you run into problems with these common dock repair questions, you can always count on our crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services. Some dock repairs are easy to DIY, but others might require a little more expertise. If you give us a call, we can help give you some advice on how to move forward.

We service all types of docks and are always happy to work with you on your repair needs—for both commercial and residential waterfront properties. Let us be your go-to dock company! Send us a message, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

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The Disadvantages of Foam-Filled PWC Lifts

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Owning a PWC has never been easier than today due to the introduction of floating PWC lifts. Many varieties of PWC lifts are offered by many manufacturers, including EZ Dock‘s EZ Port series. These lifts are designed to be stand alone or attached to a dock, and can have a jet ski simply drive on when docking and roll off when getting out on the water. However, a customer might become overwhelmed by all the choices available when buying a PWC lift and purchase one they end up regretting down the line. Today, we’re here to help offer our advice on what type of PWC Lift you might be looking for.

Types of Floating PWC Lifts

To start off with, let’s talk about the material that a floating PWC lift is typically made out of. Most floating lifts on the market today are made out of a high-density polyethylene plastic. This means they can come in many different sizes and colors, including beige, grey, blue, or brown. When purchasing a PWC lift, you’re going to want to be sure that you’re buying a product that is made to last. You don’t want to buy something that is not durable, has thin plastic walls, or design defects that will lead to that plastic cracking or splintering due to stress. Here at Deaton’s Waterfront Services we offer EZ Dock, a dock that is made to last 20 years. EZ Dock will not only be maintenance-free, but also worry-free.

The next thing to look at when deciding on what product is perfect for your PWC to sit on is the rollers. You want to make sure that your lift will have plenty of well placed rollers that fit your hull to make it easier to slide on and off. For example, the EZ Port MAX 2i features 12 adjustable rollers that can be made to fit any make or model of PWC. This makes sliding your PWC on and off the dock easy as sliding a sock on and off your foot!

Finally, the last thing you want to know about is the material inside the lift. The best ports are constructed out of durable material and are roto-molded. A roto-molded port will be durable to hold up throughout the worst weather, but won’t be too heavy to sink. This is where we are going to talk about the other type of PWC lift, a foam-filled one.

Disadvantages of Foam-Filled Ports

A foam-filled port will bring nothing but worry along with it. While they may claim to offer more durability than a port without foam, we have found the difference to be minimal. A foam-filled port will have a lot of extra weight to it, which will lead to the port gradually sinking into the water to end it’s lifetime. In our experience, foam-filled products typically work great for a year before the problems begin. We often find that the air pockets between the port and the foam will get filled and start to sink it.

A foam-filled product also will have negative effects on the environment. Typically the foam will eventually start leaking out of the product and leaving thousands of tiny foam beads in the water. Fish will see these beads and try to eat them, causing them to get ill.

Expert Advice From Deaton’s

Whenever you are in the need for information regarding improving your waterfront experiences, you can always turn to us at Deaton’s Waterfront Services. Our expert staff are ready to help you make the right decisions regarding boat lifts, docks, or sea walls to help you come away knowing you made a great choice. If you are ever in the need for assistance, feel free to contact us or give us a call at (317)747-4933.

Dock Design, Ez Dock

Outdoor Education Ideas for Water Nature Trail Setups

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Getting outside of the classroom and up close with nature is a great way to helps kids and young students ask new questions. Whether you’re organizing a classroom field trip or just looking for ways to give your own children a little adventure, these nature walk ideas can keep everyone engaged for a good time.

Water and Nature Walk Activities for Kids

While you don’t always need to do an activity when you’re enjoying your time in nature, it’s sometimes useful to give students a rough guide to direct their interests. Older students might have a specific curriculum to follow as part of their environmental sciences class, but for younger kids, the following nature walk activities can be a fun place to start:

    • Scavenger Hunt – a grid with pictures or icons can encourage students to find specific types of leaves, birds, or even spider webs
    • Sensory Worksheet – simply describing what you hear, see, smell, and feel while outside can be an interesting exercise for younger students
    • Map Drawing – practicing spatial thinking with custom maps can give kids a new perspective on their environment or where the trail starts and ends

Planning your nature walk around a water feature will provide even more options. Activities around the water could include building small boats out of foam board. Students can also look for minnows or other fish in the water while on a trail’s floating dock walkway. If it’s easy to get close to the water’s edge, kids can even take the water’s temperature, collect interesting rocks, or do simple tests to see what kind of objects float or sink. Sometimes it’s nice to do these types of experiments outdoors instead of in the classroom.

Other Questions for Outdoor Exploration

People of all ages can improve their nature walk experience by staying curious about their surroundings. Did the weather seem to change when you stepped on to the trail? Simply walking on a dirt path is a lot different than walking across a parking lot! Maybe you’re making your way across a floating dock. How does the water look around you? Does the air feel or smell different too?

Before you even head out on your walk, though, you’ll probably want to think about other items for your excursion. Apart from being dressed appropriately and grabbing a water bottle or some snacks, it might be helpful to have a few other supplies to make your nature walk even better:

    • Do you want to take pictures on your nature walk?
    • Will you bring art supplies to create something new?
    • Can you get a magnifying glass or binoculars for a close-up look?

It’s becomes easier to appreciate nature and the changing seasons and weather when we’re actively asking ourselves questions about how we’re feeling and what’s going on around us. These practices are great no matter how old or young you are!

Need Help with an EZ Dock Trail System?

Our crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services designs, installs, and repairs nature trails, floating docks, and more. We’re big fans of all things related to water and the outdoors. If you have a project coming up for your school, park, or lake house, we’d love to help you out.

When your waterfront feature is planned correctly from the get go, you’ll be able to enjoy it worry-free for years or even decades to come. We routinely work with EZ Dock Trail Systems because they’re both non-invasive and extremely versatile for all types of environments. If you’d like to learn more or start talking about a quote, please feel free to send us a message.

Commercial Docks, Dock Inspections, Ez Dock

What’s the Best Anchoring for My Dock?

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A good dock anchoring system is a requirement for every dock owner.  That’s what keeps your structure secure and steady from season to season! Whether you’re just starting out with a new dock or you need to make some upgrades to your current setup, looking at your anchoring system is a key part of having a safe waterfront site.

Types of Dock Anchoring Systems

When you don’t have the right dock anchoring in place, you might be looking at trouble down the road. Identifying the best dock anchoring system for you will depend on your water level, conditions, and existing structure. Here’s a closer look at your options:

1. Pipe Brackets

Smaller docks can often rely on a standard pipe anchoring system. These setups even work for simple PWC lifts. The pipe brackets should be able to move along with water fluctuation, wind, or waves, and the poles themselves are driven right into the lake bottom. Typically, this type of dock anchoring is used on sites with moderate conditions.

2. Piling Brackets

Larger docks designed for heavy loads and high traffic usually turn to pile anchoring. Whether the piles are wood, concrete, or made from another durable material, you can use piling brackets to securely connect your dock.

3. Deadweight Anchoring

If your site experiences more extreme water fluctuations, you might need to look at deadweight anchoring for your dock. These setups use cables or chains to tie your dock to an anchor on the bottom of your lake or body of water. Your deadweight brackets and the option for a deadweight insert and cable winch can help make this anchoring system more reliable for your site.

4. Stiff-Arm Brackets

Some docks have the option to anchor to the shore. Working with stiff-arm brackets lets you stabilize your dock with a shoreline post or shoreline abutment. You can choose from a heavy-duty or light-duty anchoring parts. Depending on your needs, you may also want to add a cable system for extra support.

Need Help with Your Dock Anchor?

Dealing with dock anchor problems can be devastating. If you can’t confidently rely on your setup, then you might end up losing your dock after a storm, or worse. There can be real safety risks when your dock is unstable. A secure dock anchoring system can help keep you and your family safe. For commercial sites, limiting your liability is also a big motivator.

Whether you need a dock safety review or know you’re due for upgrades, our team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services can help. We understand the anchoring features that matter most for different waterfront sites and can recommend the solution that’s right for you. Let’s get your dock repairs taken care of before any accidents happen. Give us a call at (317) 747-4933 to start your consultation. We’re here to help!

Dock Parts

Dock Hardware and Parts for DIY Dock Repair

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Not every set of dock problems requires a total rebuild. Sometimes all it takes is a couple new parts to get things back on track. If your dock installation needs a little help, check out our selection of dock parts. When you have access to the right gear, it’s a lot easier to do your own repairs.

Top Dock Hardware for Your Project

Even docks that are installed correctly can use some upgraded parts now and again. Whether your dock repairs are from normal wear and tear or the unfortunate result of a major storm, we can help get you what you need to fix things up. If you aren’t exactly sure what that might be, just give us a call at (317) 747-4933.

1. Dock Anchoring Parts

Your dock needs to stay secure against wakes and wind. Swapping out broken brackets can help keep everything in the right place. We routinely work with EZ Dock anchoring components for floating docks. We can also help with your stationary dock parts. Our supplies include everything from standard pipe brackets to adjustable piling brackets and more.

2. Encapsulated Dock Floats

Having trouble with your dock floats? Deaton’s Waterfront Services can get you squared away. EZ Dock products are covered under a limited warranty. This makes it easy to repair cracks and leaks. Swap out your old dock floats for these models to extend the life of your floating dock.

3. Bolts and Screws for Docks

Older docks can struggle with rough weather. If you’re dealing with a bolt break, you know you need to get it replaced fast to keep everything else in order. New nuts and dock bolts can help you restore your system for another good season.

4. Hardware and Cleats

We’re proud to offer high-quality dock hardware for every type of dock setup. Consider adding extra dock cleats to give your dock more options for boat mooring, or look into other augers or pipe supports for a steadier build. Our dock parts shop can ship supplies to most any Midwest residential dock owner or commercial dock site.

5. Rubrail and Dock Bumpers

Making sure your dock has bumper around the perimeter can help protect boats and your dock from getting knocked around in choppy water. Damaged bumpers and old rubrail don’t usually work like they should. Give us a call if it’s time for an upgrade.

6. EZ Dock Accessories

Deaton’s Waterfront Services proudly represents EZ Dock in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri. When you need replacement parts for your EZ Dock setup, let us be your go-to shop. For general repairs, additional stability, or dock expansions and upgrades, we have the parts you need to keep your EZ Dock looking great.

Need Dock Parts? We Can Help!

Our team is always happy to consult with you on your dock project or new concept. We have over 30 years of experience to guide you through your designs and repairs. Let us help save you some time.

Tell us a little more about your current problem or what you think you need. Then we can recommend the right part for the job. Our parts include manufacturer warranties, and we can walk you through the process to do the work on your own. Or, you can have us come out to do the dock repair project for you. To learn more, feel free to give us a call or send us a message. We’re ready to help you fix anything!

Commercial Docks, Ez Dock

Encourage Outdoor Recreation with Accessible Boardwalks

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Following the ADA guidelines for an accessible boardwalk is a crucial part of outdoor recreation. You need to help everyone enjoy the scenery by keeping your site up to code. Waterfront areas rely on ramps and floating walkways to make nature excursions possible for people of all abilities. Redesigning your access routes can make your park, camp, or school better than ever!

Accessible Boardwalk Requirements

Installing a floating walkway on your wetlands or boggy areas can be a great way to create a fun trail that still protects the environment. Pay attention to the key features of what makes your boardwalk accessible, and you’ll be doing your part to make the path safe for everyone.

1. Slopes and Surfaces

The natural terrain of your site will help determine where your ADA walkway should start and end. Considering the slope from land to an over-water boardwalk can be tricky, but the right team can make your new build a success. You’ll need to make sure that wheelchairs can easily move along the route. This is where slope angles (nothing over 1:20) come into play.

Another consideration for your recreation access route is for its surface material. It must be both firm and stable—there are no exceptions to this rule. However, slip resistance isn’t mandatory. You probably won’t be able to control the amount of debris on the walkway from leaves and dirt. As long as you can guarantee a steady surface, you should be in the clear for this first set of requirements.

2. Passing and Resting Spaces

As you design your floating walkway or accessible boardwalk with your dock builder, you’ll also need to pay attention to the number of resting spaces you place along the route. It’s important that people on your path have a chance to stop along the path and take in the scene.

Part of your ADA guidelines include measuring resting spaces that can comfortably fit a wheelchair (or strollers, for that matter) and allow people to turn around on the walkway. These areas on your boardwalk will also give individuals to opportunity to pass other parties, as everyone enjoys the trail at their own pace.

3. Walkway Openings

In order to keep water from collecting on the outdoor recreation access route, your path needs to have openings. Gaps or spaces between the planks that make up your boardwalk will let water drain. You just have to watch how big these openings are for safety.

When the spaces are too large, cane or crutch tips and small wheels can get stuck. The standard requirement is to have openings measure half an inch or less. Of course, there are some exceptions for certain boardwalks. Consulting with your team of dock builders can help you determine the right layout for your site. Environmentally sensitive areas may also require different openings for drainage, so you’ll need to update your designs appropriately.

Build Your Floating Walkway with Deaton’s

If you’re ready to move forward with a new ADA boardwalk or floating walkway, the crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services can help. We’ve worked with a variety of outdoor recreation sites and we’re always happy to design paths with ADA guidelines in mind. It’s part of our expertise!

We regularly use EZ Dock walkways for wetland sites and other waterfront areas. To learn more about these floating dock walkways, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can collaborate on the right design for your area’s terrain and make plans to keep your entire boardwalk up to code. When you need accessible features in your park, we’re here to help. Contact us for a quote at (317) 747-4933.

Commercial Docks, Dock Design

Fun Waterfront Features for Summer Camps and Parks

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Every recreational dock has a different setup. But there are some key waterfront features that you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re getting ready for a new dock build or just want to make some general repairs and improvements, consider adding these options!

3 Features for Your Camp or Park Dock

If you ask us, one of the best ways to enjoy sunny summer days is to head to the water. Public parks and kids’ summer camps can always benefit from a great dock layout. We love incorporating the following design elements into our work. Any of these features can help guests and campers enjoy more of what your waterfront has to offer.

1. Swim Platform

For most lakes, a swim platform is a must. A small floating dock can give swimmers a great place to rest or soak up the sun. People can have a fun time jumping or diving into the middle of your lake, and it’s all for a relatively low investment. Get your swim platform installed correctly, and it will last for years and years.

2. Low Profile Access

Another thing to think about for your dock is low profile access. When people want to use a kayak or canoe, a low profile dock section can be a helpful bonus. These designs make it easier to get in and out of your boat, on just about any body of water. They are great for rowing teams, too. Parks and camps looking to get a brand new dock should definitely look into these styles.

3. Fishing Pier

You also have to think about the people who enjoy the water, but don’t want to swim or go boating. Building a fishing pier (or improving the one your site already has) can help you cover all of your bases for the general public. If you don’t know where to start, talk with some experienced dock builders in your area. They can help you assess your site and determine what type of floating dock, walkway, or pier you need to accommodate your guests.

Plan for Waterfront Safety and ADA Docks

With any new public dock or fishing pier, you want to consider safety. The right measurements for your water depth, dock length, and slope all matter for new waterfront features. You don’t want a swim platform to be installed too close to the shore. You don’t want to miss any secure railings for your fishing pier either. These might sound like obvious details, but they’re worth double-checking. Find yourself a good contractor so your site stays safe.

Also, consider guests of different abilities. Designing with the ADA-compliant guidelines in mind can help you make your park or camp more accessible to everyone. A review of your existing layout could be a smart place to start. Then you can just make the upgrades you need, rather than redesigning your entire waterfront.

Give our team at Deaton’s Waterfront Services a call when you’re ready to talk through your options. We’re always happy to consult with you on your best options for your site, and more importantly—all of your visitors!

Dock Design

Complimentary Waterfront Designs for Architects, Engineers, and More

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When we’re planning a new waterfront designs, we can’t always operate as a one-person show. Most of the time, a collaborative process is best. You just need to have the right team. Getting experience on your side—from a variety of sources—can help bring your vision to life.

That’s where our crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services can come into play. We’re proud to offer complimentary design services for architects, engineers, and surveyors. It’s a seamless add-on for any project. Together, we can get the job done.

The Best Features for Your Waterfront Project

No matter what your waterfront project might be, you always need to get the design work squared away at the start. Whether you’re designing a new public park and want an ADA-compliant fishing platform, or you’re planning to build an expanded floating dock for a marina, a waterfront design team can help you think through all the details and options.

Some of the best features for your waterfront project might include a custom floating dock, kayak launch, or boardwalk. Working with a professional dock builder can be a great way to get your own design working as it should.

For example, do you know how much space you need for your dock? Have you considered added a convenience factor like a kayak launch of fishing pier to appeal to a wider audience? How will you know that your boardwalk and gangways are up to code for the ADA guidelines? Our team has a wide range of experience with all of these concerns and more.

A Seamless Process for Waterfront Designs

Even if you’ve worked on waterfront projects in the past, it’s nice to have a second set of eyes. Engineers and architects for waterfront properties appreciate our level of precision and attention to waterfront safety. The same goes for surveyors and managers—for any type of waterfront property. Whatever your needs might be, we’d be happy to discuss your options.

While you’re busy overseeing the entire design process, let us help with the logistics for your dock design, boardwalk, and specialty features. We can work with you to find the right placement for your kayak launches, fishing piers, other platforms, and more. Take advantage of our free designs (all done in-house) to have a truly seamless process for getting your total concepts approved.

Ready to Partner with Deaton’s?

Our goal is to help make your planning stage go as smoothly as possible. We know you’re putting a lot of thought into your new waterfront designs, and we want to support your process. Deaton’s Waterfront Services proudly partners with architects, engineers, and surveyors throughout the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri.

Do you have other questions about our complimentary dock design process? Want more information on our designs for other waterfront features? Please give us a call at (317) 747-4933. Once we have the right information about your site, we’ll be able to dive right in to designing!

Commercial Docks, Dock Design

Planning ADA Fishing Piers with Your Dock Builder

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When you’re in charge of a public dock, you want to make sure that visitors can enjoy their favorite waterfront activities in a safe and convenient way. That’s why the Accessibility Guidelines for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are so important. An ADA-compliant fishing pier gives everyone the chance to reel in a big catch!

ADA Checklist for Your Public Fishing Pier

Incorporating some practical features with your fishing pier design helps sites stay compliant with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). A good place to start is with an accessible route to the fishing pier or platform entrance. It’s not enough to have ramps for the fishing area itself. Visitors must first be able to reach the site. This is the first item on the ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities. From there, you can begin to assess some of your other features, including:

  • Gangway Slope and Length
  • Transition Plates/Ramp Landings
  • Handrails and Railings
  • Clear Floor Space
  • Edge Protection

If you don’t know what to watch for, following the guidelines can sometimes seem daunting. But when you’re working with an experienced team of dock builders, you’ll be able to include all of the ADA fishing pier features with a seamless design. You don’t have to figure out the details all on your own.

For example, dock builders can help confirm that the gangway slope is no more than 1:12. Or, they can work with you to redesign the route for a longer length. They can also help you add a transition plate and a landing, as needed, to make your fishing pier’s ramps more accessible. Paying attention to floating platform or pier movement from wind and waves is another key part of an ADA-compliant site, as this can affect the slope. You’ll also need to make sure you’re providing plenty of fishing opportunities with lowered railings. All of these details should be factored in to your overall design.

Fishing Pier ADA Guidelines for Railing Dispersion

The easiest thing to notice on an ADA-compliant fishing pier is probably the guards. The railings should include sections of a 34” maximum height to give easy fishing access to individuals in wheelchairs. We all want to have the right railings for casting our line, so you’ll need to measure appropriately.

When you look around your fishing pier, at least 25 percent of the handrails and guards in the fishing area need to be below that 34” height. To give enough variety for fishing, these sections should also be dispersed throughout the pier or platform. Different locations can offer varying water depth, shade, and vegetation. Some might be closer to the shoreline, and others could be farther away. That way, there will be lots of fishing choices for each visitor.

Public dock managers should also look at the clear space near these sections. There should be at least one maneuvering space of 30” by 48” inches for wheelchairs to easily turn around. That, plus a 2” curb or barrier will help keep these areas compliant. It takes a lot of measuring, but again, the right dock builders can work with you to get the job done.

Existing Dock Alterations vs. New Dock Builds

Your public fishing pier should be a safe and welcoming environment for people of all abilities. Knowing how to follow the ADAAG can help your community thrive. Whether you’re ready to upgrade your existing facility with an ADA fishing pier or platform, or you’re looking to build a ADA-compliant waterfront feature from the ground up, it always helps to have experience on your side.

Our crew at Deaton’s Waterfront Services is passionate about building docks and fishing piers that are up to code for all types of public waterfront sites. If you aren’t sure where to begin, feel free to give us a call at (317) 747-4933. Our service area covers Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri. We’ve worked on a variety of ADAAG projects over the years, and we’d be happy to help you out too!

Dock Design, Ez Dock

Beginner Kayak Features to Get You Out on the Water

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You don’t have to stick to boating to enjoy your time on the water. Learning how to kayak can be a great hobby to pick up at any age. If you aren’t a fan of swimming, or it’s not safe to swim around your waterfront site, then kayaking can be a fun way to exercise—you just need to know how to start out.

Using a Kayak Launch on the Dock

The first thing to practice when you’re beginning to kayak is how to get in and out of the kayak. Some areas will only give you the option to get into your kayak from the shore. In that case, move the kayak as close to the water as possible. Then just climb in, sit down, and you should be able to push yourself into the water with your arms. Once you’re floating, you’ll be able to start paddling.

The other way to get into your kayak is from a dock. When your dock has a designated kayak launch, sitting down is usually much easier. Otherwise, you have to carefully balance your kayak as you step into it. Depending on the dock and water level, you might have quite a drop into the water!

A kayak launch is usually more convenient, especially for beginners. These setups let you ease yourself into the kayak in a secure, stable way. We like the EZ Kayak Launch because it’s durable and slip-resistant. It also goes above and beyond the ADA requirements, so pretty much anyone can use it to safely enter and exit their kayak. If you have questions about installing this feature for your waterfront, we’d be happy to help.

Learning How to Paddle a Kayak

There are four basic paddle strokes for navigating your kayak. Even as a beginner kayaker, it’s pretty simple to master these movements. The first one is the forward stroke. You start with one end of the paddle in the water, down by your toes. Then you pull back so the paddle’s blade ends up near your hip. Next, slightly twist your body forward as you put the other end of the paddle into the water on the opposite side. Soon you’ll get into a rhythm and be moving right along.

The reverse stroke is simply the backwards motion of the forward stroke. Instead of pulling back on the blade, you push the paddle away from your chest so it goes toward your toes. As you back up, just remember to watch where you’re headed so you don’t run into anything.

If you’re trying to move alongside another kayak, then you’ll need to use the draw stroke. This is where you stick a paddle blade in the water and pull yourself over. You’ll want to reach over far enough so both of your hands are hovering over the water in the direction where you want to move. Rotate your body toward the blade and pull to draw your kayak to that side.

Finally, there’s the sweep stroke. This helps you turn your kayak quickly. You just need to make a half-moon or arc shape . To turn forward, put the blade in the front of your kayak and draw a curve in the water towards the back. Moving your body with the paddle makes this easier. To go backward, just start with your paddle in the back of the boat, then draw your arc toward your toes in the front.

Practice those four types of strokes, and you’ll quickly build your confidence on the water. You can also check the diagrams for these kayak stroke patterns to get a better idea of how to use your paddle.

Kayak Safety Tips and Reminders

Whether you’re planning to rent kayaks for the day or you’re ready to invest in some kayaks to keep, brushing up on a few of the basics is a smart move. This article’s kayak buying guide can be a helpful resource as you sort through your options. Once you have your gear collected, you might be ready to get a kayak launch of your own. When you waterfront has a kayak launch, your transition from the dock to the water can go much smoother and safer. Being able to carefully enter and exit your kayak puts you in a better position to enjoy your time on the water.

It’s also important to wear a personal flotation device whenever you’re enjoying a watersport. Grab some sunscreen and snacks, and you should have a nice time with some good weather. Stick to areas that match your skill level, and have fun on the water!