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ACTIVITIES
Essential Paddle Strokes for Kayaking
The Pry and the Draw
By Steven M. Krauzer
You've just entered your boat from a rock, pier, or even the deck of a pool, and you want to get out into the water—or conversely, you want to reach a similar mooring to disembark.
You could push off with your paddle, or reach out and"grab" with it—and to be honest that's what you'll often do. But for more elegance and less chance to chip that expensive ash "stick," impress your partners with a pry or draw. These mirror-image strokes move the kayak sideways.
Pry and draw strokes are nice additions to your arsenal when quick course correction is in order—if, for instance, you are heading bow-on toward a rock or a floating ice chunk. Since you are already paddling forward, your paddle is in high-brace position. Slip the shaft 90 degrees so the blade is parallel to the boat's side, pry or draw as appropriate, and just like that you are back on course.
| Draw Stroke: |
| Hold paddle in forward paddling position and turn your torso to the side. Plant the blade (power face toward the boat) two to three feet from the boat. Pull with the lower arm. Lifting up with your stroke-side knee will help keep the boat from tipping to the stroke side. |
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| Pry Stroke: |
| Hold paddle in forward paddling position and turn your torso to the side. Plant the blade (power face toward the boat) next to the boat and pry it away from the boat by pulling with the upper hand and pushing gently with the lower hand. |
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