Essential Paddle Strokes for Kayaking

Power Stroke:

1. Planting the control-side paddle.
2. Pulling (and pushing) through the stroke.
3. Planting the slip-side blade in preparation for stroking that side.

Photos: Top Ten U.S. Rivers for Rafting

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For every ten times you dip blade to water, nine will involve a power stroke. With this stroke, body mechanics come into play, and while arms and shoulders are important, hips control the day.

Bending at the waist, lean forward and plant the blade at a comfortable extension. You're already gripping the shaft near the blade, so leverage is working for you. Smoothly draw the blade parallel to the boat's waterline.

As you complete the stroke, rotate the paddle to the other side, sliding the slip hand on the paddle shaft. Power stroke on the other side, and—My gosh—you're moving, and in a straight line.

For the moment. Because of handedness, it takes experience before strokes are of equal power. When they are not and the boat seems to have chosen a preferred direction on its own, the elementary solution is to cross over and stroke on the other side (bearing in mind that a pull stroke, if it does turn the boat, will do so in the direction of the side on which the stroke is executed).

A crossover in a kayak is easier and quicker than in a canoe. Neither hand needs to leave the paddle shaft, and the movement is more instinctual than thought-driven.

But easier yet is to correct with a sweep stroke.