Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re hitting the river for some whitewater fun or exploring a quiet lakeshore.
But if you’re new to kayaking, it can be a little daunting. In this blog post, we’ll give you a few tips on how to paddle a kayak so you can hit the water with confidence.
To get started, get comfortable
The first step in learning how to paddle a kayak is to get comfortable with the boat. Sit in the kayak and get used to the feel of being in the water.
You should also practice getting in and out of the kayak while it’s on dry land so you’re comfortable doing it when you’re out on the water.
Once you’re comfortable with the kayak, it’s time to start paddling.
The best way to learn how to paddle is by starting in calm waters where you can get used to the stroke without having to worry about waves or other obstacles.
Sit in your kayak and hold your paddle perpendicular to the kayak with both hands gripping the shaft near the top. Dip one blade of your paddle into the water and then bring it back towards your body, using your chest and abs to power the stroke.
Repeat this motion on the other side, and then continue alternating sides as you move forward through the water.
If you find yourself veering off course, use corrective strokes to get yourself back on track. To do this, simply paddle on one side for a few strokes until you’re back on course.
Remember to always wear a life jacket when you’re out kayaking, even if you’re a strong swimmer. And never go alone—make sure someone knows where you are and when you’ll be back so they can call for help if necessary.
The perfect paddling technique, simplified
1. Sit up straight and keep your back straight. This will help you maintain good posture and avoid getting fatigued.
2. Place your hands on the paddle in front of you so that they’re about shoulder-width apart.
3. Lean forward slightly and dip the paddle into the water.
4. As you dip the paddle into the water, twist your torso so that your shoulders are parallel to the kayak. This will give you more power when paddling.
5. Draw the paddle through the water and pull it towards your hip. Remember to keep your arms straight as you do this.
6. As you finish the stroke, twist your torso back to the starting position and dip the paddle into the water again. Repeat this motion until you reach your destination.
Pro tip: If you need to turn, use shorter strokes on one side of the kayak to campaign sideways through the water.
Paddling a kayak is great way to spend time outdoors, but it’s important to know how to do it properly so that you can stay safe and have fun. We hope these tips have helped you feel more confident about getting out on the water.
Happy paddling!
