Customer Reviews

Go Paddle - Beginning to Intermediate Kayak and sit-on-top

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this DVD BEFORE I bought my kayak. After watching it, I was able to make an informed decision on the type of kayaking I wanted to do and the type of kayak I needed to meet my needs. In addition, it explains proper paddle and safety techniques. Once I bought the kayak and went paddling a few times, I found it helpful to watch the video again to review my paddle technique. I highly recommend you watch this video before you purchase a kayak if you are unsure of the type of kayak you want. Very informative!

I was just able to watch this DVD and was very impressed. Firstly, I wanted to comment on the production which is really a step forward in this genre of film. The editing is slick and clean. The audio is concice and well mastered.

But what's important here is what the film covers. From a complete beginner, to someone with limited experience looking to improve the paddling experience, increase safety and basically have more fun, this video touches on all the little bits of information that are necessary, but that could take a lifetime to learn on ones own. If you're even just a weekend worrior, and paddle 2 or three times a year, this video is well worth watching for its wealth of information.

If you want to get into kayaking and experience the outdoors, I recommend this video.

Key sections covered in this Video include a brief but thought provoking discussion of kayak design characteristics and how they affect its performance, safety and personal equipment, launching in a variety of situations, paddle strokes, bracing to prevent capsizing, and exiting and re-entry into your boat if it does happen.

I wish I had this video before I got my first touring boat last season, since I am now considering a much different style and size for my needs. If you are just getting into kayaking, I suggest you consider this video even before you get your first boat. The discussion on kayaks will definitely help you decide what kind of boat you would like to paddle, and make the smartest purchase decision for your needs.

The material covered is so general, if you are planning on getting into creek running, touring or even weekend cottage fishing, this video will definitely send you onto the water with ideas about the skills you need to develop to make your paddling experience more fun, and more safe!

The only missing information from this video is thorough coverage of roll techniques. I expect this is deliberate though, as you should learn this from a certified or experienced instructor. (Immediately when you get your boat.)

Happy paddling!

Being new to the world of kayaking I found this DVD to be an informative and quick place to begin. Concise and to the point, it walked me through the basics and delivered on what it promised. For those just getting into kayaking it's a bargin, especially when compared to how much a private lesson costs at my local outdoor center. If you're looking for super advanced kayaking techniques, or tips on kayak camping you're best to look elsewhere, but if you're looking to get started in this captivating sport, its as good of a resource as I've come across so far.

Very basic introduction to kayaks, equipment, and technique. The technique portion was most useful compared to books because you can actually see the techniques.

As I say, it is very basic and it would have been very useful to go into much more detail on all subjects. I would buy it if I were just learning about kayaking.

I would highly recommend the "Brent Reitz Forward Stroke Clinic" DVD - For kayaking this is a 10 on a scale of 1-5. It is mainly on the forward stroke but also on stretching. This is a fantastic DVD. I will be watching it over and over and over again. I had no idea of the the many subtle movements that make up the ideal forward stroke.

A nice DVD to get started. It was a pleasant change to see the techniques in motion instead of just seeing still pictures like in many of the books and magazines I've purchased. I learnt a few paddling techniques that alone were worth the price of the video.

I purchased this DVD after purchasing my first Kayak. I was looking for more instruction for Sit on Tops since that is what I have but still found it helpful. It covers the basics and is enjoyable. Being new to Kayaking and not having any instructional schools nearby it gave me much needed basic information. I also found their website informative. Next time I am in San Diego I may stop into their store. I recommend it for any beginner. Also for someone like me who has a sit on top, it made me consider maybe trying out the sit in type. Judy

I am completely new to kayaking. The information that was presented was excellent - proper equipment, how to put the kayak into the water, how to get into the kayak from dock or shore, different paddle strokes, defensive maneuvers to avoid capsizing, and how to recover from capsizing. However, there was nothing on how to paddle a tandem kayak, how to deal with wakes from passing power boats or how to deal with waves in open water. Those three areas are of most concern to me and were not covered at all in the DVD. That is why I gave it a rating of 3 ***. Much of what was presented is intuitive. I may have spent the money on the DVD anyway, but I wish that I would have had a review like this one to read before I bought it.

Great video if you are kinda afraid of your first kayak experience but you wanna do it. The video is amatorial, but explains everything you need to know. Some areas are not covered like currents and waves which are really important for the beginner.

If you are just getting into kayaking and don't have someone to teach you the basics, this is a great beginner video. I would highly recommend you watch it before going out for the first time. It will save you a lot of wasted energy and effort . . . as well as give you a start on good technique so you don't learn bad habits.