How to Paddle Kayak – Basic Strokes

How to paddle kayak is often asked by Serenity Cruises guests when we drop anchor and decide to hit on the water. The beauty of kayaking on Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay 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. We’ll cover the basics of how to paddle your kayak:

1. Know your paddle blades

Are the blades matched (parallel – as used in Serenity Cruises kayak) or feathered (at an angle to one another)? It’s easier to learn with matched blades. If yours are feathered, look at the shaft’s center for a push-button and holes circling the shaft. Press the button and rotate the two shaft halves until the blades are parallel.

Are the blades asymmetrical? The answer is “yes” if one side of each blade is a little shorter than the other. (This can be subtle, so look closely.) This shape helps the paddle track straight (not spin) as you pull it through the water.

If you see a uniform oval instead, then you have “symmetrical” blades. You can learn to paddle with either blade type—you just need to know which you have.
Are the blades slightly concave (curved)? The answer is typically “yes,” so pay attention to where that concave side faces when you grip the shaft. This shape lets you “grab” more water for a more powerful stroke.

2.   Orient your paddle blades

Pick up the paddle, hold it in front of you and check three things:

• You want your large knuckles pointed up and your blades perpendicular to the surface of the ground.
• You want the shorter side of each blade on the bottom. (Not a concern if you have symmetrical blades.)
• You want the concave side of each blade facing you. (Not a concern if you have completely flat blades.)

If you didn’t grab the paddle exactly this way, simply flip it around until your hands and the blades are oriented the way you want.

3.   Adjust where you hold the kayak shaft

• Rest the paddle shaft’s centerpoint on your head.
• Now readjust your grip along the shaft so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.

When you bring the paddle down in front of you, you’ll have “the paddler’s box,” a shape formed by the shaft, your arms and chest. Maintaining that box as you stroke helps you rotate your torso correctly, another key to good technique.

4.   Relax your grip

A relaxed grip helps prevent your arms, wrists and hands from becoming fatigued. It also reminds you to rely on your torso instead to power your paddle:

• Make an “O” around the shaft with your index finger and thumb.
• Then rest your other fingers lightly on the 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:

1. The catch phase: Wind your torso and immerse your blade fully on one side of the boat next to your feet.
2. 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.
3. The release phase: When your hand reaches just behind your hip, “slice” the blade out of the water.

To repeat, you simply immerse the out-of-water blade next to your feet. (Your torso will already be wound correctly.)

Technique Tips:

• Focus on using your strong core muscles to power your stroke rather than the weaker muscles of your arms. Your muscles will tire quickly if you’re not using proper technique. You’ll also be more prone to injury.
• Maintain the blade in a near-vertical orientation and at a consistent (full) level of immersion. You’ll track straighter and move faster.
• Keep as upright as possible. You’ll maintain balance and gain efficiency.
• Think about the paddler’s box throughout the stroke. That helps align your body correctly for every phase of the stroke.

REVERSE STROKE

Braking 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:

1. The drop phase: Wind your torso and immerse your blade fully on the side of the boat next to your hip.
2. The power phase: Rotate your torso as the blade moves in front of you.
3. The release phase: When your paddle blade is even with your feet, “slice” the blade out of the water.

To repeat, simply immerse the out-of-water blade on the opposite side of the boat next to your hip. (Your torso will already be wound correctly.)

Draw strokes are used to move your boat sideways. This stroke is useful if you need to pull close to a dock or another boat:

1. Rotate your paddle blade so it’s horizontal.
2. Reach out with the tip of the blade to touch the water about two feet away, directly on the side of your boat. (Your paddle shaft should be angled steeply.)
3. Use your lower hand to pull the blade straight toward you, keeping the tip of the blade immersed in the water during the stroke.
4. Stop before the blade hits the side of the boat.

Typically, several draw strokes are needed, so you can repeat the stroke:

1. Rotate the blade 90 degrees, then slice it out of the water sideways.
2. Repeat steps 1 through 4 above.

Safety Tip: If the paddle does hit the side of your boat, don’t try to pry the blade out of the water because you can tip your boat and capsize. If you feel it hit, simply let go of your top hand or relax your body and start over. Don’t pry – retry. 

Ask our Serenity Cruises guide for help. Serenity Cruises Team stay at your disposal all the time!

Enjoy your trip and have fun kayaking with Serenity Cruises!

This article is adapted from the series Intro to kayaking by Rei.com