Perfecting Your Kayak Paddling Technique
Once you’ve purchased your kayak, paddle, and clothing, the next thing to start thinking about is learning the correct technique for when you get into the water.
Many people do very well investing a bit of time and taking an introduction to kayaking series of lessons that will provide you with a solid foundation of correct technique.
For the more innovative, you may decide you’ll attempt to teach yourself.
Each person will have their own individual technique, so you should always do what’s most comfortable for you, but there is still a general structure that you’ll want to follow.
When you first step into your kayak, there’s no doubt that you’ll have so many things running through your mind, it’ll be hard to keep track of where each part of your body is – you’re mostly concerned with just keeping your head above water.
Relax
The first step to learn kayak paddling is learning how to relax. When you’re tense, you’re going to restrict the movement of the shoulders and prevent you from using a full stroke.
The Stroke
It’s important to remember throughout the paddle stroke that you want the entire movement to come from the torso, not just the arms moving the paddle. This will also help to keep the boat more stable, and prevent you from tipping over.
Hand Placement
Most people will feel most comfortable by taking the paddle in both hands, overhand with the thumbs underneath. You should try to make sure your knuckles are lined up with the upward blade edge. If you are really uncomfortable in this position you can alter it slightly, but this will give you the best handle on the paddle.
The Stroke
With each stroke you take, it will be a pull with your downward stroke while the upper arm pushes the paddle shaft away from you.
By using both arms in this manner you distribute the amount of force, getting a nice even stroke.
Also be sure that you don’t begin to lean forward too much, trying to reach forwards towards the top of the boat or you are going to suffer back pain over time.
Then when you go to change sides, you want the paddle shaft to rotate to line up so your knuckles are even with the upward blade.
At first it’s very likely that the transition from side to side will feel awkward and you may feel slightly off balanced. With time and practice though, these will feel more natural and soon it will become an automatic process you go through.
Give yourself the time to get used to the movement pattern before heading out on a river and you should get the hang of it quickly.
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