The beauty of flat water kayaking is the
freedom to explore anywhere on a body of water. The key to proper adventuring then
is the ability to control your craft. By learning a few strokes—the ones
presented here—you can paddle efficiently and end up exactly where you intend
to go.
In this article, we have covered the basics
of how to learn Sea Kayak Lessons. If your
kayak has a rudder or a skeg, leave it out of the water as you practice. Your
goal is to learn how to track straight and turn based solely on stroke
technique. It’s best to practice these strokes in a calm, safe environment
until they’re second nature.
It’s wise to learn proper technique from an
experienced guide or instructor. All of this attention to detail might seem a
bit much until you consider how many paddle strokes you’ll be doing. Bad form
can wear you out in a hurry.
How to Hold Your Paddle: Holding your Paddle
Canada Kayak correctly is key to having an efficient,
nonfatiguing stroke. You should also have a paddle that’s the correct length
for you. If you’re not sure about yours, ask your guide or paddle shop, or read
How to Choose a Kayak Paddle.
Holding a paddle the right way involves four
things:
1.
Knowing what type of paddle blades you have
2.
Orienting the blades properly
3.
Adjusting where you grip the shaft
4.
Relaxing your hands on the paddle shaft
Forward Stroke: Paddling’s most fundamental
stroke, the one you will spend most of your time doing, involves more than arm
power. It’s important to engage your stronger torso muscles (core and back) to
do most of the work.
Double-check how you’re holding the paddle.
Now you’re ready for the three phases of the forward stroke:
·
The catch phase: Wind your torso and immerse
your blade fully on one side of the boat next to your feet.
·
The power phase: Rotate your torso as the
blade moves behind you. Follow the in-water blade with your eyes and your torso
will follow. Focus, too, on pushing against the shaft with your upper hand as
you move.
·
The release phase: When your hand reaches
just behind your hip, “slice” the blade out of the water.
Reverse Stroke: Breaking a moving kayak can
be done with the reverse stroke. If you’re stopped, then the reverse stroke can
be used to back up. The stroke is the exact opposite of the forward stroke:
·
The drop phase: Wind your torso and immerse
your blade fully on the side of the boat next to your hip.
·
The power phase: Rotate your torso as the
blade moves in front of you.
·
The release phase: When your paddle blade is
even with your feet, “slice” the blade out of the water.
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