Kayak Paddling Techniques - The Ultimate Guide

Whether you're interested in Kayak Paddling to go outside and spend time with family and friends, or just wanted to explore the amazing waterways that surround you, right kayak paddling is always gonna offer you a lot. 

Doesn’t matter if you've planned the Whitsunday sailing adventure and are thrilled to sail the top islands of the world. If you follow the right kayak paddling techniques, then you will feel more safe & comfortable. 

While practising paddling, so many crucial things you need to consider such as buying the suitable kayak paddle, dressing up in the right clothes, safety gear and many more. That’s quite tough for you to know each and everything you need while Kayaking. 

This is why we have made this easy-to-read guide that will make your paddling more enjoyable and safe. This guide is for both inexperienced and expert paddlers endeavouring to expand their horizons.

Depends on the different types of kayak Paddling, the procedures vary. 

• If you “sit-inside kayak” that contains partially enclosed cockpits then put spray skirt properly.

• On the other hand, if you “sit-on-top kayaks” that contain open cockpits then put the greatest amount of effort to paddle.

• And if you want to move through “inflatable kayaks” - another sit-inside kayak then trade-offs before going to the designated route.

• Moreover, if you like “Greenland style kayak paddles” that contains a short shaft having blades of straight edges & square tips then get shouldered. Because getting shoulder will provide you with an easy way of knowing how the paddle blades that are oriented.

• Rest, if you are a lover of “storm Paddle”, specially designed for use in rough seas under high winds, then using wooden paddle can help you customize it for a personal grip or safer feel.

• Apart from these above-mentioned, in “Aleutian Style Kayak Paddling”, you will get similar results as Greenland as both require the same procedure.

Well, these are a few of the Kayak Paddling types that require different procedures and also require different techniques. So, no more wasting valuable time, let’s jump to the proper paddling technique cum guide that will surely influence your journey.

Top 4 Techniques

• Enter a Kayak

Stepping into the cockpit and sit properly on the rear deck is the very first step you need to perform while entering in a kayak. Place your hands on both sides of the cockpit rim. If you are going through a tandem kayak, have your spouse who will sit in the front get in first while you operate the kayak uniformly. Don’t move forward before extending your legs into the cockpit. 

Once you are done with it, uplift yourself with your hands and slide the whole body to the forward direction until you comfortably sit in the seat. Lastly, draw your feet back and keep them on the foot-pegs situated inside of the kayak’s cockpit while gently pressing your knees against the kayak’s deck.

• Get Started Paddling

Once you’ve successfully entered in the kayak, you will need to make sure that your feet are aligned in such a way that when you place the balls of your feet on the braces, your knees are bent and are pressed cautiously against the bottom of the deck. After this, attach your spray skirt under the kayak cockpit rim and start operating your kayak way around to the sides.

One important thing you never forget to do is stretching the skirt & hook the bungee cord over the front of the kayak’s rim. It will provide you with more safety and comfort-ability. 

Finally, examine both sides to make sure that you are properly sealed & seated. 

• Perform Different Stroke Rotations:

As the name sounds - stroke, it simply means moving the kayak in a different direction. Three major types of stroke rotations you can perform while kayaking is forward, reverse & sweep. If you want to kayak forward, then grip the paddle in both hands and hold it horizontal to the cockpit rim. On the other hand, if you want to back your boat, then performing reverse stroking is a better way that you simply implement by grasping the paddle in both hands and holding it vertically to the cockpit rim. 

Apart from these two, if you also want to perform the third one i.e. sweep stroking, then dip the paddle’s blade into the water & turn the kayak onto the direction in which you want to go.

• Exiting a kayak

When you are just about to leave the kayak, you should remove your feet from the foot-pegs carefully and then straighten your legs. After this, place your hands on both sides of the rim for lifting your body up. 

Once you finally decided to end sea kayak paddling, then you need to withdraw your legs by lift your feet out of the cockpit. Make sure you get out your foot before kayak moves to another side, so you can stand up easily.

You can make the most of these techniques if you use the right accessories during sea kayaking. Here, we’ve covered some of the best essentials that you must carry for safe kayaking. 

• Don't Forget To Wear a PFD

Personal flotation devices are a MUST-HAVE if you’re going to enjoy Kayak Paddling in open water. No matter if you’re a strong swimmer, a life jacket will always shield you from the unpredictable hazards & risks. Research reveals that the majority of sea kayakers return home injured when their kayak is overcome by an extensive wave. This is why it’s crucial to protect yourself by wearing PFDs. Not just only children under 12 should wear it, instead, every member of watercraft should wear for better & safer kayaking. 

• Involve Your Torso to Manoeuvre

We know it’s quite challenging for you to only use arms to paddle a kayak. No doubt, you exhaust yourself completely, and also your legs will tense up to face the consequences. So, to overcome such exertion, you need to make your ride much easier by involving your entire body. 

Use intestinal muscles in kayaking as it helps you easily turn and maintain good posture throughout the journey. Also, keep your back upright and comfortable, spinning from the ribs to make turns easier. If you don’t straighten your back, you will not be left with enough strength to kayak on the water for long hours. 

Hope, now have a complete understanding of sea kayaking paddling. And you will find this guide helpful for you. 

Conclusion:

No matter where you’ve planned to enjoy sea kayaking paddling but if you sometimes make you mind to enjoy kayaking on Whitsundays, then these above-mentioned techniques will help you a lot. These techniques cum guidelines are specially designed to provide sea kayaking lovers with great experience and memorable moments to remember until the last breath of their life.