How to Paddle a Kayak
Before you paddle a kayak, there are three things that you need to take care: 1) your position in the kayak, 2) the type of paddle you use, and 3) the type of paddle strokes.
It is important to position yourself comfortably in the kayak, since you will be in the water for some time. When you get into the kayak, stretch your feet as far as you can, and then bent your knees to a comfortable position. If the knees are too bent, then you will knock them on the kayak later; on the other hand, if your legs are straight, then your lower back will feel pressure. Experiment with different angles of bending, so that you feel flexible. Make sure that your back is placed all the way back towards the seat, and that your torso is in vertical position.
Next, place your hand by putting them a apart at shoulder width distance and in center position. Put your hands on the paddle, with equal length of shaft and blade beyond both hands. The angle should be correct: your elbows should make a right angle (or slightly less) if you place the middle of the paddle on the top of your head. Don’t grip the paddle too hard.
After that, you need to choose the type of paddle suitable for you. You can choose between a square paddle and an offset (feathered) paddle, although beginner often opts for the square paddle.
There are two ways basic strokes of the paddle. One is the forward power stroke, to thrust the kayak forward. Position the paddle blade in the water near the position of your toes. Pull it back until you reach your hip. Then lift it up and make another stroke on the opposite side. To turn the boat, you need to perform a sweep stroke. This is done by drifting the paddle blade in an arc towards the side. This movement will force the bow to move away from the blade, hence making the boat turn.
The best way to master kayak paddling is to use a good kayak, such as Ocean Kayak, which is easy to use, and a good kayak for practice. Also, practice you paddling with an experienced instructor, so you can paddle more confidently. You should practice in calm waters first before venturing into a more challenging bodies of water.
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