How to Use an Offset Kayak Paddle
An offset kayak paddle adjusts in the middle and has the curvature of the blades facing opposite directions, a design that makes it easier to go faster through the water. The offset kayak paddle helps eliminate air drag and lets your strokes happen closer to your boat, thus giving your strokes more power and keeping your kayak straighter in the water. Read on to learn how to use an offset kayak paddle.
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Instructions
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Align the adjustable paddle so that the brand name of the paddle is facing your body and right side up. If you are left-handed, put the setting on the bottom. Right-handed paddlers should choose the top setting.
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Take your dominant hand and line your knuckles up with the top of the blade closest to that hand. Keep this grip firm.
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Place your non-dominant hand parallel to your dominant hand, lining up the knuckles a little wider than your shoulder width. Keep your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle. The blades at the end of the shaft will not align. They should be at different angles.
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Remember the power of your stroke comes from your core. Starting with your dominant hand, put the blade closest to that hand in the water. Pull toward you about three to four inches away from the kayak. Meanwhile, push with your opposite hand.
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As the blade comes up out of the water, slide your non-dominant hand to line up knuckles with the blade on that side. Rock your other wrist to line up knuckles with the non-dominant hand, but keep a firm grip.
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Paddling close to the boat will keep your kayak straighter in the water. If you open the stroke and paddle farther away from the boat, you will begin to turn.
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Choke up for more aggressive paddle strokes. This will help you perform Eskimo rolls and other experienced maneuvers.
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Tips & Warnings
Some offset kayak paddles aren't adjustable. Most are made for right-handed people. However, lefties can get just as much power out of a right-handed paddle if they adjust their stroke.
Keep fingers on non-dominant hand relaxed: no death grips on the blade shaft. If you hold too tightly, not only will your stroke be awkward, but you will risk developing tendonitis.
