Paddle with grace by refining your form and movement. Over time, making small refinements in the way you sit, hold your paddle and move through each stroke leads to increased efficiency, ease, control, speed and grace. Start by correctly positioning yourself within the kayak, then work on using your whole body to power each paddle stroke. Decrease your stroke lag time and increase your paddle angle to kayak gracefully while using less effort.
Step 1
Sit within the kayak with your back against the seat. Keep your legs slightly bent so you can move more gracefully. If your legs are too straight you will strain your lower back. If you bend your legs too deeply you will hit your knees as you paddle.
Step 2
Find the correct grip by raising the paddle straight above your body so the center point rests lightly on the crown of your head. Grip the paddle so your arms are at slightly less than 90 degrees to the oar. Bring the oar down and check that your fingers and thumb loosely curl around the paddle. Use just enough effort to keep the oar from sliding out of your hand.
Step 3
Rotate your torso to power each paddle stroke. The muscles of your torso are stronger than your arm and shoulder muscles. Using your torso adds ease and endurance to paddling. Using your whole body to paddle streamlines each movement.
Step 4
Combine both a push and pull movement with each stroke to leverage more power. As the lower arm pulls the paddle through the water, push with the upper arm.
Step 5
Make each movement continuous to paddle gracefully. As one end of the paddle leaves the water, reach the other end forward to begin the next stroke. By reducing the amount of time between strokes, you increase speed without adding extra force.
Step 6
Increase your stroke angle by drawing the paddle higher out of the water between strokes. Paddling with a higher angle brings each stroke closer to the boat, propelling it straight instead of at an angle.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice paddling with your arms straight to understand how your torso contributes to each stroke.
- Consult a doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Wear a life jacket, and kayak with a partner for safety.
Things You'll Need
- Kayak
- Paddle
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