Sprint Kayak Technique

Sprint kayaking is a popular variation to the more common rapids kayaking. Before learning how to sprint kayak, one must learn the basics of how to paddle, how to use all of his muscles in unison, and how to stay consistent with his strokes. Much of this can be accomplished in a standard swimming pool or a calmer river or body of water to start.

  1. Good Posture

    • Having good posture is one of the most important aspects in any kind of kayaking. You must be able to sit up straight and avoid shifting your body weight back and forth. Not only will this create an imbalance and inability to attain maximum speed, but it limits your upper body's effectiveness. You generate a substantial amount of power by using your entire upper body core rather than just your arms.

    Correct Paddling

    • Correct paddling is essential in sprint kayaking because any small mishaps can very easily affect the flow of your strokes, resulting in decreased speed. The key aspect is to wait until your paddle is fully under the water to apply power and pull it back through. Do not rush your strokes, as sprint kayaking relies more on the quality of your strokes than the quantity. Any other method usually lacks power and is a waste of vital energy. Watch out for any splashing or bubbles as this is a sign of a stroke that is not smooth and consistent throughout the motion.

    Rotating Your Torso

    • It is important to not only rotate above your waist and follow with the motion of your stroke, but below the waist as well. Many sprint kayakers opt to use a rotating seat to aid in applying leg push to the side on which you are paddling. A combination of torso rotation and leg push generates added power and momentum to each of your strokes. Rotating your torso is essential simply because it is one of your largest, most durable muscles. It is important to take advantage of this and preserve as much energy as possible from smaller muscles such as the arms and back.

    Creating More Draft

    • Just like in car racing, drafting can be a useful tool when racing at a faster speed. In sprint kayaking, a common practice to use is to wrap a bungee cord around the nose of the kayak and attach it to yourself. This will create a smooth resistance and generate even more power from your muscles. Remember, this is sprint kayaking, so attaining the maximum effort from all muscles in use during that short period is the key to success.