How to Row a Kayak
Kayaking is an exciting and healthy pastime that many people experience as a hobby, sporting activity or occasional recreational interest. If you are new to kayaking and are just learning how to pilot your boat, you are not alone. Numerous individuals take up the sport each year, and luckily it is fairly easy to become proficient enough at the paddling and rowing process to get out on the water. The technique for rowing a kayak is quite a bit different from rowing other boats, although there are similarities. Follow these helpful guidelines.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Climb into your kayak and relax into a comfortable seated position. Make sure that both feet are on the foot pedals and your knees have a slight bend to them. This allows you to put pressure on the pedals with your feet, producing a strong efficient paddle stroke.
-
2
Shove off of the bank into open water and have your paddle laying across your lap in front of you. Your hand position on the two-sided paddle should be a width apart, palms facing down and knuckles pointed forward. Position the paddle so that the blade is parallel with the knuckles of your dominant hand.
-
-
3
Dip the blade of the paddle into the water on your dominant side of the kayak. Reach forward a bit so you are bending at the waist and then using your back, legs and arms pull backward on the paddle handle, keeping the blade perpendicular in the water.
-
4
Pull completely through the stroke until the paddle blade passes your buttocks, then pull the blade from the water, bend forward, and repeat on the non-dominant side. Repeat this motion over and over to row your kayak.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always wear a life jacket and only kayak in waters that you are comfortable with experience-wise to avoid chance of injury.
