Kayak Paddle Techniques

Whether on flat water or running the rapids, solid paddling skills are essential for all kayakers. Certain techniques, such as "boofing" or penciling down a drop in white water, require precise strokes and perfect execution to avoid injury. Advanced wave surfing tricks, like the air blunt, depend on paddling executed in concert with shifts in body weight to flip a kayak at the top of a wave or perform a roll while descending.

  1. Essential Paddling Techniques

    • To ensure smooth travel through water, hold a standard paddle (also called a Europaddle) with your hands shoulder width apart and the "power face" down, similar to a cupped hand. Properly executed, the basic forward power stroke moves the blade through the water from toes to waist in a straight line. Direct your kayak by preventing the blade from arcing out to the side while paddling (this would be a "sweep stroke" and swings the bow of your boat in the opposite direction of the paddle).

    Flat Water Paddling

    • Sculling, a basic flat water paddling technique, involves moving a paddle blade through the water at a fixed angle, similar to the way that you might move a cupped hand through the air out of the window of a moving car. When sculling, the leading edge of your paddle -- the "front" of the hand -- should maintain a climbing angle through the water to avoid diving.

    Whitewater Paddling

    • Essential whitewater paddling techniques, like "boofing," require practice and precise execution. When dropping over waterfalls -- or boofing -- place your paddle just beyond your feet and the lip of the drop. With a vertical stroke, pull the paddle back past your hips and bring your legs up toward your chest. This should result in your kayak moving over the drop in a controlled fall.

    Trick Paddling Techniques

    • Trick paddling encompasses advanced moves like flat water cartwheels, whitewater eddy turns, or wave surfing techniques like the air blunt and aerial flip turn. A combination of balance and timing, trick paddling involves moving your entire body in concert with the kayak and using the paddle to perform spins, twists and other dramatic maneuvers.