So, you’ve got your kayak. Now what? Before heading into the water, the first skill every kayaker needs is how to paddle correctly. Good paddling isn’t just about moving forward — it’s about efficiency, control, and staying safe. Done right, it saves your energy, helps you steer smoothly, and keeps you balanced.
Let’s break it down step by step.
🖐️ Step 1: Holding the Paddle Correctly
It sounds simple, but the way you grip your paddle makes a huge difference.
How to hold it:
- Place the paddle in front of you horizontally.
- Grip it with both hands, shoulder-width apart.
- Make sure the blades are angled correctly (the concave side should face you).
- Keep your knuckles aligned with the blades.
👉 Pro Tip: Relax your grip! Think of holding the paddle like you’d hold a soda can — firm, but not tight.
➡️ Step 2: The Forward Stroke
This is the stroke you’ll use most of the time.
How to do it:
- Rotate your torso slightly and dip one blade into the water near your toes.
- Pull the blade back alongside the kayak, using your core muscles — not just your arms.
- Lift the blade out of the water at your hip.
- Rotate and repeat with the other side.
👉 Pro Tip: Think “push with one hand, pull with the other” for a smooth, powerful stroke.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Only using your arms (you’ll tire out quickly).
- Stabbing the paddle vertically instead of sweeping it.
- Splashing too much — smooth strokes are more efficient.
⬅️ Step 3: The Backward Stroke
Need to slow down or reverse? That’s where the backward stroke comes in.
How to do it:
- Place the paddle blade behind your hip.
- Push forward toward your toes.
- Alternate sides to stay straight.
👉 Pro Tip: Use this to brake gently before approaching a dock, shore, or another kayak.
🔄 Step 4: Turning and Steering
Kayaks don’t have steering wheels — it’s all in the paddle.
The Sweep Stroke (turning):
- Place the blade near your toes.
- Make a wide arc away from the kayak, sweeping the paddle out and around.
- This will turn your kayak in the opposite direction of the stroke.
👉 Example: Sweep on the right side → kayak turns left.
The Draw Stroke (sideways):
- Place the paddle blade in the water a little away from the kayak.
- Pull the water toward you to move sideways.
🏋️ Drills for Practice
- Straight Line Challenge: Paddle 20–30 strokes trying to stay perfectly straight.
- Figure Eights: Practice forward and sweep strokes in a figure-eight pattern to master turning.
- Stop & Go: Paddle forward, stop using a few backward strokes, then restart.
❌ Common Mistakes Beginners Make
- Leaning too much on one side → risk of tipping.
- Holding the paddle upside down (yes, it happens a lot!).
- Over-gripping and tiring out quickly.
- Forgetting posture: slouching reduces power.
🎯 Building Confidence on the Water
Remember: kayaking is about rhythm, not raw strength. With a relaxed grip, good posture, and steady strokes, you’ll glide smoothly in no time. Practice in calm, flat water before venturing into rivers or the ocean.
And most importantly — have fun. Every paddle stroke brings you closer to confidence, adventure, and that amazing feeling of freedom on the water. 🌊🚣
