Kayak Paddling Basics

When you first settle into your new (or newly rented) kayak you are bound to have a hundred different thoughts racing through you head. Keep this one foremost, have fun! You are getting into the kayak to enjoy a trip down the river/lake so take your time and get your feet wet.

Now that you've relaxed. Try to keep some of these pointers in mind as you start to pick up the paddle.

  • If you are in a kayak with a cockpit, lean back and rest against the seat. This will help you get in balance with your kayak and will allow you to enjoy the trip more because you will be more relaxed.
  • Your next task is to get moving right? Begin with an over-handed grip with thumbs under.
  • Like this
  • Now, let's create some propulsion! A stroke of the paddle amounts to drawing water in the direction you want to go. Basic physics right? The idea is to not dig the paddle as deep as possible but to instead keep a small portion of the blade out of the water. Your out for a relaxing ride, not a race right?
  • So draw the paddle backwards from one side, then follow the natural progression and dip the other side of the paddle into the water, rinse and repeat. Your arms will not need to be much wider apart than shoulder length but that is entirely up to you. Whatever makes you comfortable is going to be the correct position.
  • Paddling is all about establishing a rhythm. A nice and easy draw of the paddle through the water should take little thought once you've created that rhythm. As soon as you get past actively thinking about paddling you find that it is a very natural movement.
  • Turning the Kayak
  • Advanced Paddling Techniques - Kayak

    • Turning your kayak is easy. You can turn by simply paddling only one side - opposite of the side you want to turn into.

    You can turn quicker by placing your paddle in a vertical direction into the water on the side that you want to turn to.

    Once you are headed where you want to be - resume paddling.

    You can make the kayak go backwards by first slowing the kayak to almost a stop and reverse your paddling direction.