You wear a kayak – you don’t ride in it. The first thing you should get comfortable doing is “wearing” the Kayak correctly. Getting into the boat is easy to learn, though it is advisable to do this under the supervision of an experienced kayaker so they will be able to help you when things go wrong.

Step One:

Put your kayak in the water near the bank or shore. The water should be deep enough that the boat stays afloat after you get in. Hold the cockpit to keep it from drifting away from the bank.

Step Two:

Your kayak is unstable, especially when you are not in it. Hold it steady as you get in by placing one end of your paddle across the boat, just behind the cockpit, while the other paddle blade rests on the bank or shore. Do not to let go of the cockpit as you do this.

Step Three:

While holding the back of the cockpit coaming and the paddle, put your leg (the one nearest the boat) into the cockpit. Maintain your balance and keep your weight low. Move forward and tuck the other leg beside the first.

Step Four:

Straighten your legs and sit comfortably. Release your hold of the cockpit coaming and move the kayak paddle in front of you. Pull on your spray skirt and you’re ready to go.

In Summary

Starting out can be a little awkward. With some practice and help from experienced kayakers, you will be able to get into the kayak properly and paddle away.

Forward Paddling Stroke

One of the most basic paddling strokes which you should learn is the Forward Paddling Stroke. This will enable you to move the kayak or canoe forward. This is a stroke which you will be using most of the time, so it is important to learn how to do it the right way.

Step One:

Hold your paddle with one hand (top hand) about the same level as your ear.

Step Two:

Lean slightly forward. With your other hand (lower hand), submerge the paddle blade completely in the water as far forward as possible. The stroke will not be efficient if the blade is submerged too deep or too shallow.

Step Three:

Using your shoulders and torso, push your top hand forward, at the same time pulling the lower blade back.

Step Four:

When the back of the cockpit is almost at level with the lower blade, the top blade should be moving in front of you.

Step Five:

At this point, the top blade should be moving lower and closer to the water, in line with the gunwale or the upper edge of the boat.

Step Six:

When your lower arm bends at the elbow, get the lower blade out of the water.

Step Seven:

Rotate your body on the other side to make another stroke.

The Forward Paddling Stroke is a continuous motion. It should be done smoothly to make it efficient. Practice the right body movements in relation to your paddle so you will be comfortable doing the stroke when you head out.

Backward Paddling Stroke

The Backward Paddling Stroke that will enable you to move backward when necessary, for instance, if you are about to run into something or someone. Though this may be more difficult to get used to than the forward technique, practicing the backward stroke will greatly help your paddling performance. It will also enhance your control over the kayak.

Step One:

Rotate your shoulders as far as you comfortably can to one side. Submerge the Kayaking Paddle blade in the water as far back as possible.

Step Two:

Look over your shoulder and check if the coast is clear when you move backward.

Step Three:

Push the lower Kayak Paddle blade forward, extending your lower hand and bending your top hand.

Step Four:

The stroke ends when the lower blade reaches your feet. Your lower arm should be straight at this point.

Step Five:

Take the blade out of the water. Rotate your body and do the stroke on the other side.

Step Six:

Do not forget to glance over your shoulder in between strokes to avoid crashing into something. It may help to have a reference point behind you so you will know that you are moving in a straight path.

In Summary