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Introduction
The Power Stroke
The Sweep Stroke and the Stern Rudder
The Pry and the Draw
Do I need all those strokes?

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ACTIVITIES
Essential Paddle Strokes
for Kayaking
Introduction
By Steven M. Krauzer
Trailside
Adapted from
Trailside Guide to Kayaking
by Steven M. Krauzer

A few basic strokes and we're ready to hit the water.

Remember that rowboat at summer camp? With the oars set firmly in swivel locks? Steering was elemental: Pull on an oar and the boat turns away from that side of the boat.

Because your kayak paddle is not fixed, a stroke on a given side of the boat can turn it left, right, or not at all.

The Basic Strokes

Four families of paddle moves are more than adequate to get you under way: the power stroke, the forward and reverse sweep, the stern rudder, and the pry/draw.

Move on to * The Power Stroke

Return to * Top


Basic Paddling
 Trailside Guide to Kayaking
 is available from
W.W. Norton and Company.
Click here to order!

Trailside

© Article copyright Trailside. All rights reserved.

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