Basic Paddle Strokes
Kayaking offers us the freedom to explore many bodies of water. The key to a safe & successful adventure lies in controlling your kayak effectively & efficiently. By learning a few strokes, you can paddle efficiently & reach your destination safely. Let’s dive into the basics of how to paddle your kayak:
The Grip
- Hold your paddle with a relaxed grip, fingers pointing forward, knuckles on top of the blade
- Make sure your paddle is the right length for your height & build. If unsure, consult your local paddling shop.
The Forward Stroke:
The fundamental paddle stroke & the most frequent, requires more than just arm strength. Engaging your torso muscles, especially the core and back, generates most of the force needed for this stroke
There are three phases of the forward stroke:
1. Catch phase: Wind your torso and fully immerse the blade on one side of the boat adjacent to your feet.
2. Power phase: Rotate your torso as the blade moves behind you. Focus on the in-water blade and push against the shaft with your upper hand.
3. Release phase: As your hand reaches behind your hip, “slice” the blade out of the water.
Now Immerse the out-of-water blade next to your feet & repeat the stroke
The Reverse Stroke:
Want to know how to brake a moving kayak? It’s all about the reverse stroke. If you’re already stopped, you can use the reverse stroke to back up. Here’s how it works:
1. Drop Phase: Wind your torso and fully submerge your paddle blade on the side of the boat next to your hip.
2. Power Phase: Rotate your torso as the paddle blade moves in front of you.
3. Release Phase: When your paddle blade is even with your feet, “slice” it out of the water.
And that’s it! Just repeat steps 1 and 3, but this time, submerge the out-of-water blade on the opposite side of the boat next to your hip. (Your torso will already be wound correctly.)
The Sweep Stroke:
If you keep doing the forward stroke on the same side of the boat, you’ll notice the boat turning in the opposite direction. Instead, try the sweep stroke on the side of the boat. It’s a much more efficient way to turn.
Here’s how it works:
1. The Catch: Extend your arms forward and put the blade near your feet to start the sweep.
* Begin on the opposite side of the boat from the direction you want to turn.
2. The Turn: Sweep the blade in a wide arc toward the back of the boat.
* Put some power into your body’s rotation to make the stroke better, especially after the paddle has passed the cockpit.
3. The Release: When the blade is close to the hull behind your cockpit, finish the stroke by slicing the blade out of the water.
You should end up with a smooth, turning motion that doesn’t lose much momentum. If you need to turn more, you can repeat the sweep stroke, or you can go back to the forward stroke.
Here’s a little tip: Make sure your sweep is wide. Imagine the hands of a clock in the water and try to touch all the numbers along your arc.
The Draw Stroke:
-*The draw stroke is used to scoot your kayak sideways.*
1. Rotate your paddle blade so it's horizontal.
2. Reach out with the tip of the blade to touch the water about two feet away, directly on the side of your boat. (Your paddle shaft should be angled steeply.)
3. Use your lower hand to pull the blade straight toward you, keeping the tip of the blade immersed in the water during the stroke.
4. Stop before the blade hits the side of the boat.
Normally, it will take several draw strokes to move sideways, so you can repeat the stroke as needed.
1. Rotate The Blade 90 degrees, then slice it out of the water sideways.
2. Repeat steps 1 through 4 above.
Safety Tip:
If the paddle does hit the side of your boat, don't try to pry the blade out of the water because you can tip your boat and capsize. If you feel it hit, simply let go of your top hand or relax your body and start over. Don't pry—retry.
​​​​​​​​​Tips for Effective Paddle Technique:
- Practice in a calm, safe environment until the strokes become second nature.
- Focus on proper technique to avoid fatigue and injury.
- Consider learning from one of our experienced guides or instructors to enhance your skills.
Click here to schedule a lesson.
1. Get to Know Your Paddle Blades
Remember, taking the time to learn proper paddle technique may seem tedious, but it’s essential
for a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience.
Are the blades asymmetrical? If one side of each blade is slightly shorter than the other, the answer is “yes.” (This can be subtle, so look closely.) This shape helps the paddle track straight (not spin) as you pull it through the water. If you see a uniform oval instead, then you have “symmetrical” blades. You can learn to paddle with either blade type—you just need to know which you have.
Are the blades slightly concave (curved)? The answer is typically “yes,” so pay attention to where that concave side faces when you grip the shaft. This shape allows you to “grab” more water for a more powerful stroke. This is why the concave side of the paddle is known as the "Power Face"
2. Orient Your Paddle Blades
Pick up the paddle, hold it in front of you, and check three things:
1. You want your large knuckles pointed up and your blades perpendicular to the ground.
2. You want the shorter side of each blade on the bottom. (This is not a concern if you have symmetrical blades.)
3. You want the concave side of each blade facing you. (This is not a concern if you have completely flat blades.)
If you didn’t grab the paddle exactly this way, simply flip it around until your hands
and the blades are oriented the way you want.
3. Adjust Where You Hold the Shaft
Rest the paddle shaft’s center-point on your head.
Now readjust your grip along the shaft so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.
When you bring the paddle down in front of you, you’ll have “the paddler’s box,” a shape formed by the shaft, your arms, and chest. Maintaining that box as you stroke helps you rotate your torso correctly,
another key to good technique.
4. Relax Your Grip
A relaxed grip helps prevent your arms, wrists, and hands from becoming fatigued. It also reminds you to rely on your torso instead to power your paddle:
- Make an “O” around the shaft with your index finger and thumb.
- Then rest your other fingers lightly on the shaft.​
The WRAP UP:
Learning well the fundamentals of kayaking is the first step to safely navigate the waters in your area. If you would like to learn more and really hone your skills, consider hiring a coach or instructor. This will greatly speed up your process & increase your skill level. You can learn more by visiting our Kayak Lessons page & sign up for one of our courses! Always remember to #LIVEFREEGOPADDLE