Where does the White go when the snow melts?

The Rivers.

By Dustin Semb

There are tons of cross training articles out there, however you don’t see them about the most natural crossover sport; whitewater kayaking.

Whitewater kayaking is the natural step when the snow melts. As the snow pack drops, the rivers rise. Aside from natures way of telling us to go play in the river, there are many similarities in movements, sensations and terrain choices to those used in snow sports.

In snow sports we use independent leg movements, angulation movements, edging movements, projection of the center of mass towards the direction of travel, an athletic yet relaxed posture and a mental focus on technique. Kayaking has all of these aspects. You don’t use the same movements of the same body parts, but the overall movement and feel are strikingly similar.

When sliding on snow you need to lean down hill and project your center of mass in the direction you want to go. Kayaking is the same. You need to lean downstream and move towards the apex of your turn. This can be one of the most difficult things to teach your students (as well as yourself). Being able to feel that sensation year round is great for the learning curve.

Another important aspect of both sports is the ability to control the tool without becoming stiff or rigged. Each sport requires you to have a constant relaxed athletic posture with subtle movements to stay in control. These coincide  with the mental focus needed to be a competent athlete in either sport. While maintaining a focus on technique, you must still focus on terrain and anticipate the next move while not overanalyzing. All this while still having fun. These similarities allow paddling to help you improve nearly every aspect of snow sliding; from cruisers to steeps to freestyle.

Aside from the technical assistance, kayaking gives a very similar feeling to that of snow sports. You can get the same adrenaline rush you get by choosing similar terrain. Since both are sports based on moving down a slope or gradient, you can find anything from hiking the pipe (park and play) to chutes (steep creaking) to groomers (rolling waves). If you want to work on carving and edge control, nothing has as similar a feeling as carving a surf wave. If it is the backcountry that interests you,  being able to go places that are inaccessible to anyone without a kayak will definitely fulfill that need.

Most people who ride the snow in the winter take to paddling relatively fast. Keep in mind that it is a difficult sport to pick up, so ask around for an instructor. The ACA (American Canoe Association) is the instructional body of kayaking, so look for ACA instruction. Ask people at your school if they paddle. You may get an opportunity to learn a new sport.

Get a boat and this spring you can paddle the water that you slide on this winter.