Quick Sailing
With the addition of our Sea Eagle QuikSail (sold separately), you can also turn your kayak into a one of a kind sailing
vessel that sets up in less than one minute. Kayak sailing enhances the paddling experience and is great for touring and
exploring. When sailing, it is recommended to paddle up wind of your starting point and to sail downwind for the final leg
of your journey. The QuikSail is a handheld sail that you brace with your feet and a small stay rope. You can adjust the po-
sition of the sail to tack downwind. When tacking, keep the sail perpendicular to the wind and use the paddle to steer.
Stand-Up Paddling
The FastTrack kayaks feature a high pressure drop-stitch inflatable floor that makes the kayak rigid and stable enough to
double as a stand-up paddleboard (SUP). If you decide to use your kayak as an SUP, we recommend using a stand-up
type paddle with a T-handle. Stand-up paddling adds a whole new dimension to paddling whether for exercise or just for
fun. Stand-up paddling requires core strength and constant rebalancing. In doing so you will find yourself using more mus-
cles groups for a full body workout that standard kayak paddling just doesn’t offer. Stand-up paddling takes practice and
experience to become proficient, so don’t be discouraged if you fall a few times or if the exercise is tiring, keep practicing!
Beginners should start out in calm, shallow water when the air and water temperatures are warm enough for swimming. A
good safety precaution is to practice falling out of your Sea Eagle in calm water that is not over your head. Wear a PFD
and have someone with you to act as a spotter.
To begin, simply roll into the water and try getting back in. The first technique we recommend is grabbing the side pontoon
and literally rolling your body over the pontoon and into the kayak. We have posted a video on our web site showing this
technique. This will require some practice as it needs to be done in one quick motion. The second technique is to use your
arms to reach over the side and pull your body up and push yourself into the kayak. This method requires a lot of arm
strength. In both methods it is helpful to do it quickly and smoothly in one continuous movement.
To stand up in your kayak, have your paddle in hand and make sure that the waters is deep enough so if you fall in you
won't hit the bottom or underwater hazard. From a crouching position in the middle of the kayak, place one foot to one
side and stand up bringing your other foot up so that comes even with the other foot. Use the paddle for balance. As you
paddle forward start paddling with short strokes and graduating to longer strokes. You can paddle two or more strokes on
one side if you have sufficient momentum and technique. If your kayak turns towards the other side, switch your paddle to
correct it.
You will quickly discover that it is easier to paddle with the wind than against it because your body acts like a sail. We rec-
ommend keeping the double ended kayak paddle with you so that you can use your kayak in the traditional sit-down pad-
dling position when you have to paddle against a strong wind. Sitting or standing, you’re able to experience the best of
both worlds paddling your Sea Eagle!
Advanced Stand-Up Paddling
Once you’ve gained some experience in calm, shallow waters you may wish to expand your adventures into more chal-
lenging conditions. To prepare for this, try paddling in rougher conditions and get used to the drop and pitch of larger
waves. When you feel comfortable paddling in these conditions, venture into stand-up paddling in surf.
When you’re ready to start stand-up paddling in surf, we recommend that you start out on a calm day with smaller waves
so that you can get comfortable. If you are not comfortable swimming in the ocean, you should not attempt standing up
paddling. A good way to gain experience and the skill needed is to take a class from a qualified instructor. This instruction
manual is, of course, insufficient for detailed lessons.
The first thing you will need to learn is how to paddle beyond the wave break. After you’ve gotten through the break, it’s a
good idea to attempt a sitting or kneeling position and paddling with a double ended kayak paddle. As you become more
proficient, stand up and enjoy the ride.
3
OPERATING YOUR SEA EAGLE
(continued)
