Essential Paddle Strokes for Kayaking
Do I Need All Those Strokes?
By Steven M. Krauzer
If at this point you are wondering,"Do I really have to learn all this?," you might be surprised at the answer, which is—No.
You do want to learn all this. The only way to convince yourself that a stern rudder, let's say, does its job is to practice until it feels natural (and this should take all of 10 minutes, incidentally).
But on the water, no kayaker says, ''Hmmmthis situation calls for a power stroke followed by a sweep, and then a draw combined with a high brace. Now let's see... downside elbow in, upside blade raised with confidence, stroke 18.5 inches sternward . . ."
Strokes, braces, and the Eskimo roll can—and should—be described in terms of technique, but don't let technique obscure utility. All have a single common purpose: compelling an upright kayak to go where you want it to go.
Consider strokes and braces as an all-you-can-eat buffet. But the reason you don't have to know strokes and braces is that you will use them without thought.
Think of it this way: You can correct an overly powerful forward stroke by crossing over to a rudder. But, by and by, your instincts will remind you that before the crossover, your paddle is already in position for a reverse sweep, and that is the corrective you will employ.
You won't consciously think about why you made that choice until much later, when you are swapping lies with your mates about how you kept the boat in that boat-eating shore break.
For all intents and purposes, you've learned to "ride your bicycle." And like that bicycle, the old cliche maintains: Now that you've got it, you'll never forget how. You can, however, still fall off.
Practice and mastery of some more advanced moves will help ensure that you don't.
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