Those who have never been kayaking may find the long, single paddle a little intimidating. But learning the basic types of kayaking strokes isn't that hard. The key is to practice them as often as possible in calm, controlled conditions, so when you're out on windier days and choppier waters, you'll feel confident in your ability to go forward, backward and to either side.
Forward Strokes
This basic stroke to get your kayak moving forward requires a sequential combination of moves. Start by reaching forward and dropping the blade in the water to your right or left. Push off the leg on the side of the kayak you started with, and follow that with a hip rotation and torso rotation, followed by a slight elbow bend as the blade comes out of the water. Rotate forward again to start the process on the opposite side.
Backward Strokes
To go backward, which is important when you get pulled into a current or tidal flow you don't want to be in, think about doing a backward front stroke. In this case, you'll want to keep the paddle closer to the kayak and have a steeper angle on the paddle as you push the paddle toward the front of your kayak instead of pulling it toward the back. The result is that the hand opposite your paddling side will be up around eye level and moving back toward your head as you paddle. Once your paddling arm is extended, bring the other side down into the water and push back.
Braking Strokes
Braking is a lot like going backward, except you keep the paddle motionless in the water as you try to stop. Put the paddle down deeply into the water a little behind your seat. If you start to drift too far to one side, put the paddle down into the water on the other side to straighten out the kayak. Just a couple of these strokes should be able to bring you to a stop.
Turning Strokes
Also known as "rudder strokes," these are a little like braking strokes, only you angle the blade depending on which way you want to turn the kayak. You can do a rudder stroke near the bow, or front, of the kayak or toward the stern, or rear, of the craft. For a bow rudder stroke, places the paddle at a near-vertical angle near the side of the kayak by your feet or knees, with the front face turned out a little. This will help turn the boat to the opposite side. Be aware that when you are kayaking in windy conditions, the rear of the boat is more subject to strong wind than the front, so you may feel as though you're paddling into the wind if that breeze is pushing the rear of the kayak the opposite way.
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