The Canterbury Kayaking Podcast: Recent Episodes
Sam Milne
The Canterbury Kayaking Podcast takes you from novice kayaker to confident paddler. I'm Sam Milne, professional multisport kayak instructor based in Christchurch, New Zealand. And I will teach you how to train for the Coast to Coast kayak leg in this easy-to-follow podcast series. Let's start at the start, with choosing the right equipment for you. Then, let's go over everything you need to know in order to get out paddling as soon as possible. Once that's done, we'll move on to kayaking techniques, drills, training advice, frequently asked questions, race-preparation, and much, much more!
Need a new PFD (lifejacket) for multisport kayaking? Need to decide on your first PFD for training towards the Coast to Coast?
In this episode, I'm going to talk you through the most important features to look for in a good PFD, plus I'll recommend and compare my 3 favourite models so you can order a new PFD with confidence.
Order gear from my online store:
canterburykayaking.co.nz
Sign up for my 4-day Grade 2 Kayak Course:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/products/grade-2-kayak-course
Contact me:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/pages/contact-us
Samuel Milne
Professional Kayak Skills Coach
Canterbury Kayaking
Christchurch, New Zealand
Ready to begin training for the Coast to Coast race? Not sure how to get started?
In this episode, I'm going to provide you with 5 simple steps, so you can start training for the Coast to Coast kayak stage with confidence.
Order gear from my online store:
canterburykayaking.co.nz
Sign up for my 4-day Grade 2 Kayak Course:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/products/grade-2-kayak-course
Contact me:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/pages/contact-us
Samuel Milne
Professional Kayak Skills Coach
Canterbury Kayaking
Christchurch, New Zealand
Don't have your own paddle yet? Have a paddle but are not sure if it's right for you?
In this episode, I'm going to guide you through everything you need to know about paddle selection for multisport kayak racing and the Coast to Coast.
I'll be covering:
- The different features and options of racing paddles.
- How to select the right paddle for you.
- Recommendations of specific models that you should consider.
PADDLE LENGTH CHART
Gara Odin Paddle product page:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/collections/paddles/products/gara-odin-river-wing-paddle
SUPPORT US
Order gear from our online store:
canterburykayaking.co.nz
GET YOUR GRADE 2 CERTIFICATE
Sign up for my 4-day Grade 2 Kayak Course:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/products/grade-2-kayak-course
CONTACT ME
I am always happy to provide advice:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/pages/contact-us
HOST
Samuel Milne
Professional Kayak Skills Coach
Canterbury Kayaking
Christchurch, New Zealand
Do you want to kayak in the Coast to Coast race but don't have a grade 2 certificate? Do want a better understanding of what you need to do to gain your certification in time?
In this episode, I'm going to guide you through how to gain your grade 2 kayak certificate for multisport kayaking events.
I'll be covering:
- What the certificate is and how certification works.
- The criteria you need to demonstrate.
- Specific advice to make passing your certificate easier.
SUPPORT US
Order gear from our online store:
canterburykayaking.co.nz
GET YOUR GRADE 2 CERTIFICATE
Sign up for my 4-day Grade 2 Kayak Course:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/products/grade-2-kayak-course
CONTACT ME
I am always happy to provide advice:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/pages/contact-us
HOST
Samuel Milne
Professional Kayak Skills Coach
Canterbury Kayaking
Christchurch, New Zealand
Welcome to Mastering Multisport Kayaking!
In our first episode, I'm going to guide you through selecting your first multisport kayak for the Coast to Coast race.
I'll be covering:
- The important differences between kayak designs.
- The specific models I recommend based on your weight and ability level.
- How to find your perfect first kayak.
SUPPORT US
Order gear from our online store:
canterburykayaking.co.nz
GET YOUR GRADE 2 CERTIFICATE
Sign up for my 4-day Grade 2 Kayak Course:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/products/grade-2-kayak-course
CONTACT ME
I am always happy to provide advice:
https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/pages/contact-us
HOST
Samuel Milne
Professional Kayak Skills Coach
Canterbury Kayaking
Christchurch, New Zealand
Do you still need to get your grade 2 kayak certificate? Want to ensure you pass your assessment plus get more out of your course than just a piece of paper?
In this episode, Sam explains how important this stage is, how his approach has changed over the years, and walks you through a plan for achieving your certificate while gaining the skills you need to stay in your kayak during the Coast to Coast race.
Book Your Grade 2 Course Here: Grade 2 Certificate Kayak Course
Contact the Host: Sam Milne, sam@canterburykayaking.co.nz
Do you want to improve your boat handling skills? Want to ensure you have full control over your multisport kayak on your next river run?
In this episode, you’ll learn essential boat-handling skills that you can practice during your next flatwater training session.
Show notes: https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/9
Host: Sam Milne, sam@canterburykayaking.co.nz
Support us: Shop Gear | Book Instruction
Do you want to learn the multisport forward stroke technique? Want to feel confident you are focussing on the right things?
In this episode, you’ll learn the details of a good multisport forward stroke technique with a wing paddle plus gain tips on how to improve your own stroke.
Host: Sam Milne | Show notes: https://canterburykayaking.co.nz/8
Support us: Shop Gear | Book Instruction
I know you're excited to start kayaking, but you need to get the basics right first in order to experience long-term success with paddling. This episode will cover the 5 most important skills you need to learn FIRST, including detailed instructions on how to get these skills right.
Read the full article here: The 5 Basic Skills Every Multisport Kayaker Should Learn First In This Episode:
- Why Getting the Basics Right Is So Important.
- How to Get Into Your Kayak Without Falling Over.
- How to Paddle With the Perfect Posture.
- How to Feather Your Paddle During the Forward Stroke.
- How to Use Your Rudder Pedals Correctly.
- What to Do if You Fall Out of Your Kayak.
Send your feedback and questions to: sam@canterburykayaking.co.nz
Are you 100% sure you have your multisport kayak and paddle set up correctly? This episode will explain everything you need to know about setting up your multisport kayak and wing paddle for comfort and performance.
Read the full article here: How to Set Up Your Multisport Kayak and Wing Paddle
In This Episode:
- Why getting a good kayak and paddle fit is so important
- Where should your knees be in your kayak?
- How far away should your foot pedals be in your kayak?
- How do you adjust the foot pedals and rudder-lines in your kayak?
- How should the seat in your multisport kayak fit?
- How do you select the correct paddle angle?
- Where should you position your grip on your paddle shaft?
- What length should your multisport paddle be set to?
Send your feedback and questions to: sam@canterburykayaking.co.nz
Have you just starting your kayak training for the Coast to Coast and are thinking about getting some lessons? This episode will explain everything you need to know about taking multisport kayaking lessons for the Coast to Coast race.
Read the full article here: Taking Multisport Kayaking Lessons for the Coast to Coast Race
In this episode:
- When Should You Start Taking Kayaking Lessons?
- When Should You Do Your Grade 2 Certificate Kayaking Course?
- Is It Worth Taking More Kayaking Lessons After Gaining Your Grade 2 Kayak Certificate?
- How Many People Are Typically in Group Kayaking Lessons?
- What Do The Best Kayaking Lessons Include?
- Why You Really Want to Avoid Bad Kayaking Lessons
- How Do You Get the Most Out of Kayak Lessons?
- Key Points to Remember About Kayaking Lessons
- Plus Much More!
Send your feedback and questions to: sam@canterburykayaking.co.nz
Need to get a kayaking PFD (lifejacket) but not sure what type you need or how to choose one? This episode explains everything you need to know about PFDs for multisport kayaking and the Coast to Coast race.
Read the full article here: Choosing a PFD (Lifejacket) for Multisport Kayaking Comment on our website with your feedback and questions!
In this episode:
- Why Is Choosing the Right PFD (Lifejacket) So Important?
- When Should You Wear a Kayaking PFD?
- How Are Kayaking PFDs Different to Regular “Lifejackets”?
- How do You Ensure Your PFD Meets the Coast to Coast Race Rules?
- How Should a Kayaking PFD Fit?
- Front-Zip Kayaking PFDs
- Side-Entry Kayaking PFDs
- Over-The-Head Kayaking PFDs
- What Features You Want in a Good Multisport Kayaking PFD?
- Best Kayaking PFDs (Lifejackets) For the Coast to Coast Race
- Rasdex Multisporter PFD
- Day Two Adventure Racer PFD
- Palm Hydro PFD
How do you know what paddle to buy if you are a beginner training for the Coast to Coast Race?
Read the full article here: Buying Your First Paddle for the Coast to Coast Race and comment on our website.
In this episode:
- Do you need a wing paddle, or is a flat blade ok?
- What size blade do you need?
- Shaft flex: Carbon vs fibreglass shafts
- How long should your paddle be?
- Should you go for a fixed or adjustable length?
- Do you need a paddle with re-enforced blade tips?
- What is the best multisport paddle for a beginner?
- Step by step on buying your first paddle.