Getting Started in Basic Paddling Strokes

 


The basic step to getting started in basic paddling strokes is to hold the paddle appropriately. Paddlers’ hold over the paddle largely affects the kayaking performance. Hence, it is vital to employ the right paddling techniques for effective kayaking.


Paddlers often make the mistake of holding their paddles incorrectly. When you grab the paddle shaft, hold it in such a way that the smooth side that is bent inwardly (concave side of the blade) is facing towards you. To make it simpler for you, the brand name is written on the face of the blade.


Symmetrical paddle blades have the same shape. The top and the base are identical. However, if your paddle blades are asymmetrical, it has a top and a base. The tapering end is the base of the blade that goes into the water first.


If you are right-handed, then your control grip should be in your right hand and vice versa. To determine the correct control grip, place your kayak paddle on the ground. While one will be lying flat, the other blade will be facing upward. The side facing upward should be your control grip. Your control grip remains the same once you start paddling.


Grabbing the paddle also has to be done methodically. In order to paddle effectually, it is necessary to make sure you have a comfortable grasp over the paddle shaft. If you grab your shaft too tightly, or if you place your hands too close to each other, paddling will be a strenuous task. You should be able to hold the paddle in two easy steps.

  1. First grab the paddle with your control grip.
  2. Then lay your other hand at a distance that is a bit more than your shoulder width. To ensure if this is correct, raise you hands above you while holding the paddle. If your elbows make an angle slightly smaller than 45 degrees, then you have correctly held the paddle.


The Forward Stroke and the Sweep Stroke are the first two paddling strokes that you have to learn. While the Forward Stroke propels the kayak forward, Sweep Strokes are used to turn the kayak.


Forward Stroke


For most of your kayaking trip, you will be using the Forward Stroke. To avoid early exhaustion, you should divide the energy expenditure between your upper body and your arms. Following are the steps to Forward Stroke.

  1. Sit up straight and brace your feet comfortably against the footrest. This will help you maximize your upper body usage.
  2. Determine your control grip and accordingly hold your paddle.
  3. Always remember to start with your control grip. Extend your arms and dip the blade completely into the water near your ankles. Pull the paddle in the backward direction and move your torso as you pull through the water. This will not only give you enough power to propel the kayak, but also relieve the strain on your upper arm.
  4. As the paddle reaches your torso, lift the blade out gently without splashing the water.
  5. Repeat the same with the other hand.


Sweep Stroke


Sweep Strokes are used to change directions while kayaking. Sweep stroke follows a different path through the water than the Forward Stroke. Like Forward Stroke, this stroke starts out near your ankles and ends behind the cockpit. It sweeps quickly past the kayak and more power is utilized at the end of the stroke.


These are the basic steps for paddling your kayak. All the advanced strokes are based on these basic strokes. So, it is important to master these strokes before progressing to advanced moves.

 

References:

http://paddling.about.com

http://www.paddledognation.com

http://www.kayakhelp.com

http://en.kayakwiki.org

http://www.nrsweb.com