How to Do a Forward Stroke in a Sea Kayak

Learning to perform a smooth and efficient forward stroke is an important step in learning how to sea kayak. It will allow you to kayak for long distances without tiring or cramping prematurely.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Relax in your kayak with your feet touching the footpegs.

2. Hold the paddle with both hands in a comfortable wide grip. Put your paddle on top of your head and look at the position of your grip. The proper grip width should give your arms a 90 degree angle at the elbows. Remember where your hands are in relation to the paddle blades so you can return to the correct grip when you let go of the paddle for some reason. You are now ready to start the forward stroke.

3. Reach your right arm forward, dipping the paddle into the water at a perpendicular angle to the boat. Your right hand should be firmly gripping the paddle at this point.

4. Pull the paddle through the water just outside the wake of the kayak, allowing your hips and shoulders to turn with the motion of your right arm. You'll notice a natural push with your right foot on the footpeg. You'll also notice that by turning your body and relaxing your grip just a bit through the stroke, you can maintain a straight wrist for the entire length of the "pulling phase".

5. Push the paddle with your left arm at about shoulder level at the same time you are pulling with your right arm. Try not to let your arm cross the center line of the kayak while pushing. Your left hand should be relaxed and loose while doing the "push phase" of the paddle stroke.

6. Reach your left arm forward as you finish the stroke. Just as the right blade of the paddle comes out of the water, flick the paddle backwards 90 degrees so that you can dip the left paddle blade in at the perpendicular angle to the kayak.

7. Continue this cycle, remembering to use your entire body by turning the hips and shoulders and pushing with your feet.

Tips & Warnings

• As you get accustomed to the stroke, focus on making your moves as smooth as possible, flowing freely from one paddle dip to the next. Try to minimize the amount of splash from the paddle blades so that your efforts are efficient.
• Be very careful to keep a straight wrist throughout the "pulling phase". A lazy stroke that allows the wrist to bend halfway through can result in a painful swelling of your tendons.
• Remember to relax your pushing hand and firmly grip your pulling hand at the first of the stroke. This continual "grip and relax" cycle will keep blood flowing to your hands and reduce fatigue.
• Sea kayaking can be a very fun and relaxing sport. However, as with any sport dealing with open water, it has many inherent dangers. When learning how to sea kayak, it is a good idea to seek out professional instruction.

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