How to Stern Stall a Kayak

A stern stall is one of the most difficult kayaking tricks because it forces the kayaker to balance the kayak vertically on the stern end (the back end). This balancing act is a move that takes practice and proper technique, as well as an understanding of kayaking principles. The stern stall, like the bow stall, takes a degree of skill and ability.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Kayak
• Paddle

1. Use one end of your paddle to stall the kayak in the water.

2. Lean back and use your weight to tip the kayak vertically. This is most easily accomplished at an interface between two currents, using the force of the water to lift your kayak.

3. Pull your kayak out of the water as you reach vertical, with the back side of your body touching the water.

4. Lift your arms and place both paddle blades behind your head on the surface of the water to stop the kayak. Look up at the sky and make sure your back is touching the surface of the water.

5. Use your paddles on either side to keep yourself from leaning or dipping side to side as your boat is stalled vertically.

Tips & Warnings

• Like a bow stall, leaning forward will pull you vertically into the water, and leaning back with level your kayak out to a steering position.

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