Kayaking is the best sport to explore waterways. Here we will give you some techniques to paddle a kayak. It would be very important equipment for you when you will become a kayaker. The paddle is an integral part of the kayak, it transfers all strokes into motion. Therefore it is very important to know how you will handle paddles properly.
Paddle Shaft
Firstly you have to know your weapon properly. The handle of the paddle is also known as the shaft. It comes in direct contact with both hands during the entire paddling session. Generally, kayak paddles are made with aluminum or fiberglass. Sometimes paddles are also made with carbon fibers. You should choose a kayak paddle according to your height. Kayak’s paddle height should be equal to your height.
If you have any injury history in your wrists, you should use a bent-shaft kayak. It minimizes the risk of any injury. Otherwise, you should use a straight-shaft kayak paddle.
Also Read: What Size Kayak Paddle Do I Need?
Paddle Blades
Kayak paddles have two sides one is the power face and the second is known as the back face. There are different types of blades. Different kayak paddles have different blades. Blades are made with plastic, aluminum, and fiberglass. But in the case of high performance, it is made with carbon fiber. Most paddle blades are asymmetrical. It helps the paddle track straight through the water.
Techniques to Paddle a Kayak
To learn how to paddle, grab your paddle and place your hands on the shaft if you want to start paddling. Here we will discuss some of the techniques to handle a paddle:
- Your hands should be about shoulder width apart or slightly wider with knuckles up when you are gripping the paddles.
- Your hands have to be equidistant from the end of the blades about 6 inches on each side to handle a paddle perfectly.
- Your elbow has to form a 90-degree angle with the paddle of the kayak above your head. You can check this using a paddler’s box.
- Blades have to be properly oriented and perpendicular to the surface. If they are asymmetric, the shorter edge should be at the bottom.
- Your grip has to be secure, strong, and comfortable but not too tight grip. You have to maintain a relatively loose, O-shaped grip.