While it may seem similar to paddling a canoe, paddling a kayak is very different. Because of the single-bladed paddle used with canoeing, you usually use a "J" stroke to keep the direction in control, while compensating for motion on one side of the canoe. This isn't necessary with the side-to-side, twin-bladed kayak paddle.
Step 1
Grasp the sides of the kayak with the paddle shaft between your hands and the kayak gunwales. Step into the center of the kayak with one foot, while balancing with your hands. Then bring your other foot in. This takes some practice, so start in as shallow water as possible, with one end of the kayak resting on a beach.
Step 2
Shove off with one blade of the paddle in the sand of the beach. Let the kayak glide a bit to get the feel of the balance point. Experiment with how much body movement can be safely made without tipping the kayak.
Step 3
Holding the paddle at slightly wider than shoulder width, put one blade forward into the water as close to the side of the kayak as possible. Pull towards you with the other end naturally coming up and forward while you pull the blade in the water back.
Step 4
Repeat the process on the other side. Keep the position of the paddle the same in your hands. The offset angle of the paddle blades naturally allows for the rotation movement of paddling side-to-side, and keeps the flat of the paddle blades against the water surface for the best propulsion. There will be a natural, slight turn to the right with each left blade thrust, and to the left with each right blade thrust. Alternating paddle thrusts evenly will keep the kayak going straight.
Step 5
To turn, paddle more on one side (right for left turn, left paddle for right turn). For a tight rotation turn, paddle forward on one side, and back on the other. If the kayak tips too much, thrust the flat of the paddle blade downward in the water on the side you are tipping towards to regain your balance.
Tips and Warnings
- Your large back muscles do most of the work as you rotate your body side to side to paddle; this movement is much less tiring than trying to do all the work with arm muscles.
- Paddle with an experienced buddy first, and always wear a personal floatation device and a helmet for safety.
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