How to Paddle a Kayak With a Torso Rotation

Long distance kayaking is physically demanding and, when done improperly, saps arm and shoulder strength quickly. Using the torso for a lion's share of the power efficiently transfers power from the arms and shoulders into the body core and allows sustained effort for long distance paddling. When first learning to use the torso in the stroke it is often awkward and un-natural feeling. Keep at it. Over time it becomes second nature.

Things You'll Need

  • Kayak and associated gear
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sit in the kayak box and hold the paddles so your hands are at equal width to your shoulders while gripping the shaft. Picture the "paddler's box." This is the area in front of you that extends from the cockpit up to your shoulders. When reaching out for the stroke, the box "ends" at the distance when the paddle blades hit the water.

    • 2

      Begin your normal paddle stroke, without the torso correction. Dip in and paddle at least five or six strokes to get hull speed going.

    • 3

      Twist your torso and keep your arms and shoulders in a static position with a 45-degree bend in your water-side elbow (the side where the paddle-blade enters the water.) Feel the power come out of your lower body and not your arms or shoulders. Bring the opposite side paddle up and then down into the water to complete the stroke, twisting your torso to this side.

    • 4

      Twist your torso no more than 30 degrees with each paddle stroke. When first starting, after about 50 or so strokes, you should feel the muscles in the abdomen tightening and burning from lactic acid. This is good. Let up and recoup. Then begin the paddling again, with the torso twist.

    • 5

      Condition your abdominal muscles over time to develop the torso twist paddle stroke and increase endurance.