How to Do a Reverse Stroke in Kayaking

Kayaking is a fun activity that might seem fairly simple at first: sit inside the kayak and paddle your way across a lake or out to sea. However, there is likely to come a time when you'll have to back up. You'll need to employ the reverse stroke when doing this. The reverse stroke in kayaking is merely the opposite of the forward stroke.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn the forward stroke first. Being comfortable and adept at the forward stroke in kayaking will make it easier to do the reverse stroke.

2. Dip the right blade of the paddle into the water as far as possible. Do not place the blade into the water close to the kayak, as you'll be doing a sweeping motion that works best if the blade is farther from the side of the kayak.

3. Hold the paddle at hip-level. Extend your left arm fully. Bend your right elbow, keeping it at your hip.

4. Push the right blade forward as you extend your right arm straight and bend your left arm. Extend your right arm all the way to your feet. Pull the right blade out of the water.

5. Place the left blade of the paddle into the water. Repeat the steps on the left side.

6. Continue alternating right to left to propel the kayak backwards.

Tips & Warnings

• Rotate your torso as you do the reverse stroke to increase the power of the strokes.
• Do not turn the paddle around so the faces of the blades face in the opposite direction of the forward stroke.

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