How to Stop & Slow Paddles

Paddle sports like canoeing and sea kayaking require basic paddling skills for safe and effective travel. Among these skills are slow and stop paddle techniques. A slow paddle move allows the craft to decrease in speed and setup for a turn or bank maneuver. Stopping brings the craft to a stop in the water, sometimes even with currents and waves. Learn the needed techniques for slow and stopping with the paddles for canoes and kayaks.

Instructions

  1. Canoeing

    • 1

      Place the canoe paddle blade -- the large spatulated area at the end of the shaft -- into the water just in front of your torso making sure the blade is perpendicular to the canoe.

    • 2

      Prepare to lift the paddle out of the water and push it into the water on the opposite side of the canoe. The canoe will begin to turn to the opposite side of the paddle as it is dragged in the water when stopping. Place the paddle in front of your torso in the water, alternating between sides until the canoe comes to a stop in the water.

    • 3

      Place the canoe paddle blade perpendicular to the canoe behind you and on the water and press down on the shaft. Apply pressure to push the blade down and into the water, bringing the canoe to a slower speed.

    • 4

      Twist the paddle shaft as the canoe slows to control the direction. Twist the paddle shaft clockwise to turn the canoe right as it slows or counterclockwise to go left. Do this to maintain a straight heading while the canoe slows.

    Kayaking

    • 5

      Place one side of the kayak paddle into the water. Paddle backwards lightly to begin the slowing process. As the kayak begins to cock in one direction dip the opposite side of the paddle into the water to correct the cocking turn.

    • 6

      Continue to alter the kayak paddle blades side-to-side until the kayak comes to a dead stop.

    • 7

      Push one side of the kayak paddle onto the surface of the water. Press down so the kayak slows.

    • 8

      Dip the opposite paddle blade down and onto the water to correct the turn and slow down the kayak.