How to Paddle a Kayak – Kayaking 101

How To Paddle A Kayak – Kayaking 101

How to paddle a kayak is a video tutorial for the recreational kayak renter.

Good posture in kayaking will help you paddle harder and longer. The ideal position is to sit upright just like how your mom probably told you to sit at the dinner table. The kayak seat back is good for lounging and rest periods but not usually for paddling unless it is adjusted to an upright position–which most are not.

While paddling your feet should be positioned on the foot holds, pedals or in the foot wells with a leg position that is flexed and splayed out comfortably. Properly positioned, your legs help to reduce strain on the back and on your hamstrings. If you have tight hamstrings, the best practice is to stretch before getting on board your kayak rental.

While paddling a kayak, one hand will serve as the control, or “glue” hand. This means that that hand will not move and this hand is usually the dominant hand–the one you use for writing or other activities. Hand positioning is ideally 4-8 inches from the blade with the knuckles aligned with the edges of your kayak paddle blades. The other hand is placed equidistant from the paddle.

The best way to check is to place the paddle shaft on your head with your arms parallel so that elbows are at a 90 degree angle. Once in the perfect position you will have the best control and more power.

Paddling is pretty simple but if you are using feathered paddles, you will take the stroke with your control hand, and then loosen the other hand, known as the “grease” hand. Then rotate the shaft so the paddle hits the water squarely. This technique isn’t necessary if you have paddles without a feather or twist. But whatever the paddle type, be sure to always keep your paddle grip light but firm…and most importantly, have fun!

Captain John’s Fawn Harbor & Marina can show you how to paddle a kayak when you rent our kayaks on Big Bear Lake and encourages you to join us since we are a short drive from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and Las Vegas.