Kayaking Paddling & Basic Paddle Strokes

Here's a few tips about how to get the most out of your kayaking paddling technique and how to execute five of the basic kayak paddle strokes. 

Choose A Paddle (A quick overview): The length of the paddle should be chosen carefully because one that is too long can cause injuries and make it impossible for you to perform the correct techniques. The correct length of a paddle can vary between two people of the same height in different kayaks. For sea kayakers and flat-water boats, the paddle is correct if the bottom blade is just fully submerged as it passes your knee while the top hand is around eye level. White water paddlers tend to use shorter paddles that fit with their lower seating position and smaller boats.

Paddling Principles: In a lot of ways, paddling a solo kayak is easier than paddling a canoe.  Because of the double bladed paddle, you don’t have to worry about the kayak zig-zagging across the water and you are lower to the water so a lot of kayaks will feel more stable than a canoe. Every paddle stroke includes a push with one arm and a pull with the other. The main task of the arms is to put the paddle in the water and take it out, not for providing the propulsive force.  All power should come from the torso or trunk rotation. You will be able to paddle longer without getting tired by using the larger muscles in you back, rather than the relatively smaller ones in your arms.

Hand Placement: To get the correct hand placement on the paddle, place your paddle above your head with your arms up and your elbows at right angles. The hands must be symmetrically placed with the same hand to blade distance on each side. For example, if you are a right handed paddler, hold the paddle horizontally in front of your body, the right hand blade should be vertical and the left blade should be face up. It's just the opposite for 'southpaws'. You could place some electrical tape on the shaft just inside the hand positions to help you maintain that position when paddling.

Seating Position: Correct seating position is important. Your back should be straight, don’t slouch. A slight forward lean with the shoulders slightly in front of the pelvis is ideal. Knees should be slightly bent (never straight) and there should be support for the feet. Many boats have backrests; these are ideal for breaks but should not be used while paddling.

Strokes: Here are five basic strokes to get you started: The Power Stroke, The Forward & Reverse Sweep, The Stern Rudder and The Pry/Draw.

The POWER STROKE: Bending at the waist, lean forward and plant the blade at a comfortable extension.  You’re already gripping the shaft near the blade, so leverage is working for you.  Smoothly draw the blade parallel to the boat’s waterline. As you complete the stroke, rotate the paddle to the other side. Use the same power stroke on the other side and you’re moving forward. 

The FORWARD SWEEP STROKE: Making a broad sweeping stroke on one side of the kayak will turn the boat in the opposite direction. The power face of the blade is buried in the water and the stroke starts at bow and is swept in a wide arc with the power coming from your body twist. The stroke finishes when rotation finishes. The sweep will push you in the opposite direction.  

The REVERSE SWEEP STROKE: Actually it’s a double reverse, since it is done in a reverse manner and has the reverse affect. The blade is fully buried; using the back of the blade, make a wide arc sweep from the stern to bow to turn in the same direction. Again, the power is coming from the rotation of your torso. To protect your shoulder joint when making reverse strokes, keep the elbow in front of the line of the shoulders (never reach behind you, remember to turn your body). A right power stroke followed by a right side reverse sweep us one way to make a 90 degree turn starboard. 

The STERN RUDDER: Used sparingly, stern rudder strokes allow you to guide a kayak through obstacles, can be used while surfing or sailing, or as an aid to controlling the kayak downwind, with the ruddering incorporated into the forward paddle cycle. To rudder, turn back with the paddle parallel to the boat. The blade is buried and vertical at the rear of the kayak. Your bottom arm is extended but NOT straight. Bush the blade away from the stern to turn towards the paddle side or pull it towards the stern to turn the other way.

The PRY/DRAW STROKES: These mirror image strokes (With one, you push away from the kayak. With the other you pull toward the kayak) move the kayak side ways in a controlled manner for rafting and approaching jetties and other landings. They can also be used for course corrections. 

The Draw Stroke: (Pulls Toward the Kayak): Hold the paddle in forward paddling position and turn your torso to the side you want to go. Plant the blade (power face toward the boat) two or three feet from the boat. Pull the blade towards your hips, keeping the top hand relatively fixed. Keep the boat level; do not lean toward the blade. 

The Pry Stroke: (Pushes Away from the Kayak): Hold the paddle in forward paddling position and turn your torso to the side. Plant the blade (power face toward the boat) next to the boat and pry it away from the boat by pulling with the upper hand and pushing gently with the lower hand. This will push the boat in the opposite direction.

Control of the kayak does not come from brute force. It comes from the right stroke being applied in the right direction at the right time - it’s all done with coordination and balance. With a little practice you will be on your way to many wonderful adventures.