How To Hold A Kayak Paddle

If you're brand new to the sport of kayaking, inspection of the paddle blades quickly tells you that there's a right and wrong way to hold the paddle while you're navigating through the water. A kayak paddle's blades have an offset placement; the blade on one side of the paddle faces upward, while the ridge of the blade on the other side faces down. Absolute beginners should get a feel for the correct way to hold a kayak paddle before taking to the water.

Step 1

Stand in a position with your elbows flexed at a 90-degree angle, palms above your head facing up, as though you are about to lift a barbell overhead. The distance between your hands is the distance they need to be when placed on the kayak paddle.

Step 2

Pick up the kayak paddle, or have someone hand it to you. Loosely grip the shaft of the paddle. Make sure that the length of shaft from your hands to the blades is equal on both sides of the paddle.

Step 3

Lower your arms so that your shoulders are relaxed and your forearms are parallel to the ground. You should look down and see your knuckles curled around the paddle shaft.

Step 4

Roll the kayak paddle in your hands so the rim of the blade closest to your right hand is vertical to the ground. The blade closest to your left hand will be horizontal to the ground, broad side facing up.

Step 5

Recheck the lengths of paddle shaft from your hands to the blades to make sure that they are both even.

Tips and Warnings

The above instructions are for right-handed people. Those who are left-handed may want to reverse the direction of the kayak paddle blades. The length of your kayak paddle matters, as well. Beginners are encouraged to use shorter paddles when first starting out, as these allow for easier navigation.
Never kayaked before? This water sport is both fun and challenging, but beware: You're likely to get blisters until the skin on your palms toughens up. Wearing paddling gloves is advised on your first kayaking adventure.