Kayak Paddling Technique
This page is meant to help you to properly propel a canoe or kayak in a straight line. There are many strokes to turn a canoe or kayak, draws, rudders, pries; the best way to learn those is by taking a class, getting out paddling with a club or find a quiet section of water and practice, practice, practice. After over 30 years of paddling, I can still learn new tricks. That's what is fun about paddlin'
Kayaking uses the same muscles as canoeing, the arms are kept straight and the power comes from the upper legs and lower back. The paddle is anchored in the water and the kayak is pulled to the paddle as shown in the photo below. Liam demonstrates the low angle stroke used by most recreational paddlers at the left. In the photo at the right he demonstrates the more aggressive high angle stroke. The high angle stroke follows the keel line of the kayak and it propels the kayak in a straighter line.
