Proper Kayak Strokes

Any stroke using a kayak paddle is technically proper for recreational kayaking as long as your hands are slightly more than shoulder's width apart on the paddle stick and equal distances from the blade. If you are racing, traveling long distances or navigating dangerous waters, there is a "proper" way to kayak.

  1. How to Hold a Kayak Paddle

    • If the brand name is written on the kayak paddle, holding that right-side up is a start to holding a kayak paddle. This will make the longer end of the blade on top; with the longer end of the kayak blade on top, you push the flat bottom portion of the blade underwater. Your hands should be placed wider than your shoulders; if you increase that distance you will get more power.

    Types of Paddles

    • Shorter paddles with bigger blades are made for executing vertical strokes used by kayak racers and whitewater rafters. Sea kayakers use a more vertical stroke with their paddle; they use a bit narrower width of paddle blade with a slightly longer paddle pole.

    How to Execute a Proper Stroke

    • Your lower arm and torso should do the bulk of the pulling on the paddle. Your upper arm should be pressing the paddle forward and not pulling; this gives you leverage. Hold your kayak paddle in front of you and watch your hands as you perform a stroke. Twist your torso as you perform a stroke with one blade and continue the stroke onto the other paddle blade; you will notice it forms a large figure eight motion. Generate the power in your stroke with your torso as it will increase endurance.
      Try paddling without moving your elbows. It may feel awkward, but it will demonstrate what the torso can do. After you have tried this, add the motion of using your elbows again; keep your torso as your main source of energy and your biceps as the second source of energy. Your torso muscles are larger and are more capable of long-term energy exertion.