How to paddle with a kayak

Paddling your kayak fist consists of you sitting in your kayak the proper way. Sit all the way back in your seat with your knees bent comfortably. If you sit with your feet to straight you put to much strain on your lower back.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. On the other hand if your knees are bent to high up you will end up bumping them when you are kayaking. So find the best and most comfortable yet effective way to sit for proper paddling.
   
   Next you need to find the most comfortable grip on your paddle. Start by placing your hands on your paddle about shoulder length apart and centered on your paddle. To see if you are holding it correctly. Holding your paddle the way I explained place the center of it on your head and see if your elbows create a little less then a 90 degree angle.
2. All the strokes that you make with your paddles should be done with yours in front of your body comfortably. If you have to turn your torso and keep your arms in the same position with your body when you have to turn due to paddle strokes that move the boat's end.
   
   There are certain techniques that you can learn on paddling your kayak. You can learn different stroking techniques but the things that remain the same are you use your torso as your source of power not your arms, also that you need to have a good grip on your paddle to ensure good stroke movements.
3. ach stroke consists of a push and a pull with each hand. Will one will push the other will pull. There are different movements that you will need to learn to correctly move your kayak.
   
   Reverse Sweep ~ This movement helps you make a quick turn. Using the back of the paddle and put a lot of power into it, linking the two paddle strokes to create a quick turn.
   
   Stern Draw ~ You must move your paddle in a full 180 degree arc from the bow to the stern to create this movement. Do not hold the paddles at a lifting angle, this only creates water to be lifted and doesn't turn the stern around. Twist your torso with your movement of the strokes.
4. Forward Sweep ~ Developing the perfect forward sweep will allow to to kayak at your best. It is a movement that allows you to turn the boat The paddle needs to be swept out in a wide arc. Start by edging to the side on which you will sweep the paddle. Keep your onside arm straight to help make this move. Finish with your body facing the sweep side and paddle over the water to stabilize your kayak.
   
   There are other movements as well that you will need to learn. Learning the best techniques for you is key to kayaking at your best. Remember different strokes for different folks!