Kayaking is one of the most thrilling aquatic adventures available today — and it’s easy to get started.
The water sport allows you to explore various bodies of water and witness nature at its most beautiful. Knowing how to control your craft is the key to enjoying it.
Being familiar with the basic kayak stroke techniques will help you explore wherever you want without the need for a guide. Plus, knowing how to paddle a kayak will help get you back to shore, safe and sound.
Are you looking forward to cruising in a kayak on your next trip for the first time? We have you covered. All it takes is one brisk run through these kayak paddle stroke instructions, and you’ll know what to do the next time you’re out on the waters.
How to Properly Hold a Paddle
Before learning the basic kayak strokes, the proper way to hold a paddle must be second nature to you first. It becomes dangerously easy to become exhausted when you don’t wield the paddle correctly. Here are some things to keep in mind to avoid such a scenario:
Know Your Paddle Blades’ Type
Check if you have matched or feathered blades.
Matched blades are in the same straight line, whereas feathered blades are positioned at a certain angle with respect to one another. For beginners, it is significantly easier to learn with matched blades. Look at the center of your paddle’s shaft with feathered blades for buttons meant to adjust the blades.
You should also check whether you have symmetrical or asymmetrical blades.
Symmetrical blades are those with parallel sides; these are usually in the form of an oval. If the blades are not similar, they are asymmetrical. While learning isn’t affected by either, knowing which shape you’re using wouldn’t hurt.
Another factor you have to check is whether you have concave or flat blades.
Concave blades have sides that slightly curve inwards. Flat blades, as the name implies, are flat.
Position Your Paddle Blade
To position your paddle correctly, check these three things while holding it.
Have your knuckles pointed up with the shaft parallel and the blades perpendicular to the water’s surface. If you have asymmetrical blades, you want the shorter side at the bottom. For concave blades, you want the concave side facing you to ensure that you are grabbing more water to produce more powerful kayak strokes.
Know Where To Hold the Shaft
A key to efficient stroking is knowing where to hold the shaft of your paddle. Level the center of the shaft with your face. Next, readjust your grip until both your elbows form 90-degree angles to the paddle. Doing this will improve torso rotations for optimal movement and flexibility.
Relax Your Hands
To avoid getting fatigued during the first few hours, relax your hands. Using your thumb and index fingers, hold your paddle by connecting their tips around the shaft and forming a ring. Allow the rest of your fingers to hold the shaft lightly. This technique lets you rely on your torso instead of on your hands and arms alone.
Four Basic Kayak Strokes
1. Forward Stroke
The forward stroke is the most basic kayak stroke and is the most commonly used. As its name implies, this stroke will propel you forward.
Submerge one blade in the water next to your feet to get started. Next, twist your body, and let the blade move until it passes your hips. Slice it out of the water, and repeat the same steps with the other blade on the opposite side. Keep in mind that you also have to use your torso, back, and core muscles, not just your arms.
2. Reverse Stroke
The reverse stroke is essentially the reverse of a forward stroke, meant to stop your kayak or propel it backward.
Plunge the first blade in the water behind your hips, then rotate your body as the blade moves forward until it is next to your feet. Pull the blade out of the water, and repeat the same steps with the other blade.
3. Draw Stroke
When pulling up to a dock or another kayak, draw strokes are a must to move sideways.
Rotate your paddle until the blades are parallel to the water’s surface. Dunk the flat side of one blade about two feet away, then pull it towards you in a straight motion. Before it collides with your kayak, lift it out, rinse, and repeat.
4. Sweep Stroke
Repeatedly performing forward strokes on the same side will cause your kayak to U-turn; however, the sweep stroke is a more efficient way to turn your kayak.
Stretch your arms forward until the extended blade is positioned near the front of your kayak. Next, dip the blade in the water, and pull it back in a wide arc until it reaches the stern of your kayak before lifting it. Repeat with the same blade and side until you achieve your desired position.
Experience Smooth and Safe Kayak Adventures
Knowing the basic kayak strokes is your layman’s passport to enjoying the seas. For beginners, it’s beneficial to practice in calm waters before going big.
For the best kayak rentals, Island Marine Rentals is the go-to source. We also provide paddleboard, scooter, bicycle, and boat rentals in Clearwater, FL. Contact us for more details about our rental services.
We are looking forward to providing the best rides for your aquatic trips here in sunny Florida!
