Kayak Paddling Instructions

The double paddle blades of a standard kayak paddle utilize less wasted motion than the single blade of a typical canoe paddle. Every recovery of a paddle dip coincides with the forward power stroke on the other end of the paddle. Tending to be more easily tipped than a canoe, a kayak is sensitive to every motion you make, so making the right motions is important for safe, efficient and enjoyable kayaking. Keep your torso perpendicular to the surface of the water by dropping your hips to the side to counteract any side wave tipping motion from the water.

Step 1

Hold the paddle resting on your head so each hand is over or slightly in from the points above your elbows. This should give your hands the proper positioning for comfortable paddling.

Step 2

Grip the paddle lightly at the shoulder-width points and rest it on the gunwales of the canoe with the scoop (power) or cupping design of the paddle rearward.

Step 3

Rotate your torso to the left as you bring the right paddle scoop forward and dip it into the water as close as possible to the side of the kayak. Torso rotation muscles should do most of the work, with your arms and hands as quiet as possible, using the arms and hands to transfer the strength of the torso movement to the paddle, while pushing your right foot firmly against the right footrest. Pull the paddle toward you so the kayak moves forward in conjunction with the scooping motion.

Step 4

As the paddle comes out of the water behind you, bring the left paddle scoop down and pull toward yourself in one smooth, continuous motion with the left foot firmly against the foot rest. The feathered or twisted rotation of a double paddle will make the right-left-right paddling motion easy and comfortable. Equal, even strokes with each side will keep the kayak going in a straight line. When one hand and paddle blade go into the water, the other hand and blade rise and go forward.

Step 5

To turn, after pulling the paddle scoop toward you, continue the paddle in the water a bit longer. For a left turn, keep the right paddle in longer and with more force. To quicken the maneuver, back-paddle with the left paddle scoop by dipping it into the water behind you and scooping forward. Back-paddling with both blades will stop and reverse the kayak as needed.