Kayak Paddle Strokes

  • Forward Stroke – your paddle enters the water near your feet and exits
    the water near your hips. This stroke propels you forward. Remember:
    “Anything past your waist is a waste”
  • Turning (“Sweep”) Stroke – your paddle enters the water near your feet,
    and then sweeps past your hip. This stroke turns the kayak in the
    opposite direction from the side you are paddling on
  • Back Stroke – easy does it! Paddling backwards slows you down or
    propels you in reverse

Tandem Kayaking

  • Communication – make sure you and your partners keep in
    communication
  • Try to paddle at the same time, and on the same side

Turning the kayak

  • Method 1 – The paddler in the back can sneak in a few longer Sweep
    Strokes (see above), while keeping the same rhythm as the paddler in
    front
  • Method 2 – The paddler in front can stop paddling while the paddler in
    back does multiple sweep strokes on the same side of the boat

Stability

  • Stability – just relax and let waves come and go by relaxing your hips and letting
    the boat rock. Most recreational kayaks are very stable. Don’t tense up and try to
    overcompensate for the boat. The watercraft will float
  • Power Boat Wakes – pointing your watercraft perpendicular to large
    wakes can help your stability.
  • Stay Close to Shore – you’ll deal with less waves and boat wakes here

Paddle Boards

  • Forward Stroke – keep your arms straight and the paddle shaft vertical to the water. The paddle should enter the water well in front of you and exit the water at your feet.
  • Turning (Sweep) Stroke – the paddle shaft should be at a lower, 45-
    degree angle to the water. It should enter the water in front of you and
    sweep past your feet (keep your stance wide for stability)