A Basic Guide To Learn How To Paddle A Kayak

Posted by harryjason on December 28th, 2018

In this article, we have covered the basics of how to learn Sea Kayak Lessons. If your kayak has a rudder or a skeg, leave it out of the water as you practice. Your goal is to learn how to track straight and turn based solely on stroke technique. It’s best to practice these strokes in a calm, safe environment until they’re second nature.

It’s wise to learn proper technique from an experienced guide or instructor. All of this attention to detail might seem a bit much until you consider how many paddle strokes you’ll be doing. Bad form can wear you out in a hurry.

How to Hold Your Paddle: Holding your Paddle Canada Kayak correctly is key to having an efficient, nonfatiguing stroke. You should also have a paddle that’s the correct length for you. If you’re not sure about yours, ask your guide or paddle shop, or read How to Choose a Kayak Paddle.

Holding a paddle the right way involves four things:

1. Knowing what type of paddle blades you have
2. Orienting the blades properly
3. Adjusting where you grip the shaft
4. Relaxing your hands on the paddle shaft

Forward Stroke: Paddling’s most fundamental stroke, the one you will spend most of your time doing, involves more than arm power. It’s important to engage your stronger torso muscles (core and back) to do most of the work.

Double-check how you’re holding the paddle. Now you’re ready for the three phases of the forward stroke:

• The catch phase: Wind your torso and immerse your blade fully on one side of the boat next to your feet.
• The power phase: Rotate your torso as the blade moves behind you. Follow the in-water blade with your eyes and your torso will follow. Focus, too, on pushing against the shaft with your upper hand as you move.
• The release phase: When your hand reaches just behind your hip, “slice” the blade out of the water.

Reverse Stroke: Breaking a moving kayak can be done with the reverse stroke. If you’re stopped, then the reverse stroke can be used to back up. The stroke is the exact opposite of the forward stroke:

• The drop phase: Wind your torso and immerse your blade fully on the side of the boat next to your hip.
• The power phase: Rotate your torso as the blade moves in front of you.
• The release phase: When your paddle blade is even with your feet, “slice” the blade out of the water.

Follow this guide, if you are planning for Kayaking Day Trips Ontario.