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Kayak Paddle Strokes

Kayak Paddle Strokes

Your kayak paddle is the key not only to moving forward, but also to turning left or right or even stopping your kayak. this article will familiarize you with the basic kayak paddle strokes.

The Basic Strokes

kayak power stroke

There are four basic groups of kayak paddle strokes to get you under way: the power stroke, the forward and reverse sweep, the stern rudder, and the pry/draw.

The Power Stroke

90% of the time that you’re paddling, you’ll be using a power stroke. With the power stroke, although arm and shoulder use are important, it is hips usage that is critical.

Bending at the waist, lean forward and plant the blade at a comfortable forward extension. Since you’re already gripping the shaft near the blade, leverage is working for you. Smoothly draw the blade parallel to the boat’s waterline. When you’ve completed the stroke, crossover, and use the power stroke on the other side.

It takes experience before strokes are of equal power.  Because of handedness, you will probably notice a tendency to veer to the left or the right. When the kayak seems to have chosen its own direction, the solution is simply to cross over and stroke on the other side.

A crossover in a kayak is easier and quicker than in a canoe since neither hand needs to leave the paddle shaft. Also the movement is more instinctual than thought-driven.

An even easier way to correct is with a sweep stroke..

Sweep Stroke

 

sweep stroke

When using the sweep stroke, maintain the same angle of your arms as with the low brace, but turn your control-hand so the power face of the blade addresses the water. If you are right-handed, reach forward and out on that side, and stroke through most of a semi-circle. The sweep will push you in the opposite direction (in this case, to the left), while still maintaining momentum.

The reverse sweep is actually a double reverse, since it is done in a reverse manner and has the reverse affect.  Sweep from stern to bow on the right side, and the kayak turns in that direction. A right-side power stroke followed by a right side reverse sweep is will execute a 90 degree turn to starboard.

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kayak Stern Rudder strokeThe Stern Rudder

The stern rudder should be used sparingly to correct steering. To rudder-  plant the blade to the rear of the cockpit. For the rudder to be effective, the boat must be moving forward against the rudder’s resistance.

The disadvantage of the rudder is that it creates drag. The rudder will slow or even stop forward movement. If possible, use a forward sweep instead. You get steering control and maintain momentum. Remember that in kayaking- movement relative to the water is the key to stability. A stern rudder maneuver in the middle of a set of waves can leave you caught in the trough, and at the mercy of the waves.

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Pry / Draw Stroke

Kayak Pry/Draw Stroke

How if you’ve just entered your kayak from a rock, another boat or your dock do you move out into the water and away from that fixed point?

You could push off with your paddle, or reach out and grab it, and there’s nothing wrong with this. A more elegant move, with less risk of chipping your expensive paddle, is the pry or draw. These mirror-image strokes will move the kayak sideways.

Pry and draw strokes can help with quick course corrections, for example if  you are heading bow-on toward a rock. Since you are already paddling forward, your paddle is in high-brace position. Slip the shaft 90 degrees so the blade is parallel to the boat’s side, pry or draw as appropriate, and just like that you are back on course..

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Conclusion

Of course, you don’t need to know all of this, but the only way to convince yourself that any of these basic strokes will actually work, is to practice until you are comfortable with the maneuver (about a ten minute investment of your time)

As you become more familiar and comfortable with the different strokes and their effects, they will become more natural for you to use, and you will employ them almost instinctively. Just like when riding a bicycle, you don’t consciously have to think of pedaling, and steering, and your posture- you just ride. Knowing these kayak paddle strokes, and being able to use them second-nature can help maximize your enjoyment and safety on the water...

 

Are you looking for an easier way to move

your kayak or canoe to and from the water ?

Canoe & kayak carts offer a safe and easy way

to walk your craft to the launching site.

Check out this comparison of the top canoe & kayak carts.



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