How to Paddle a Kayak Well

A kayak is a small boat which a rider propels with a double-bladed paddle. The rider, or paddler, sits inside the kayak's cockpit and then uses the paddle to propel the kayak forward through the water. There are many different types of kayaks, such as ocean kayaks and racing kayaks, but with the proper paddling technique, a rider should be able to move the kayak through the water safely and effectively.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit fully back in your kayak and make sure that your knees are comfortably bent so that your feet press against the foot wells. Kayaks have several foot wells along both the right and left inside walls. Press your feet against the wells so that your legs are bent comfortably, not too straight and not too close to your body.

    • 2

      Grip your paddle in the center of the paddle so that your hands are a little bit more than shoulder width apart. The proper hand position is with your palms facing down. If your hands are shoulder width apart while gripping the paddle, your arms should form just under a 90-degree angle. Make sure that the distance between your hand and the blade is the same on both sides.

    • 3

      Place the paddle into the water one side at a time. Reach the paddle blade forward so that it strikes the water near your feet.

    • 4

      Pull the paddle back along the boat until you reach your hip.

    • 5

      Lift the paddle blade out of the water, and repeat the stroke on the opposite side. If you want to paddle backward, then start with one side of the paddle in the water near your hip, then push the paddle forward to your feet, repeating on the opposite side.

    • 6

      Turn the kayak by paddling on just one side. If you paddle on just your right side, your boat will turn toward the left, and if you paddle just on your left side, your boat will turn to the right.

    • 7

      Stop your kayak by placing your paddle into the water at your hip and pushing the water forward a few inches quickly one side at a time.