Rating: ****
There are different types of strokes used in kayaking. The first one is the forward stroke, the most commonly used stroke to propel the kayak forward. Extending your arm completely is important as the paddle should enter the water in front of your body. Always use your whole body to complete the stoke, rotating you upper body along with the movement of the stroke. The next stroke is the reverse stroke which is the opposite of the front stroke used to propel the kayak backwards. The motion is the same except reversed. Make the motion and end the stroke at the position of your feet, take the paddle out of the water to continue the same motion but on the opposite side. The final stroke used to kayak is the one used to turn the kayak. The bow sweep is the most popular as it keeps the boat the most stable while turning. It’s almost the same as a forward stroke except you create an arc while propelling the paddle backwards. Shifting your body physically to the direction you want to turn is essential as well making it one smooth move. You end the stroke at your hip, this stroke will not reduce speed but also keep your kayak stable as possible to reduce risk of flipping over.
I felt this article informative because it taught me the basic strokes used to steer a canoe. Every beginner should know these stroke if they want to go out canoeing. I will remember these stroke for the next time I do go kayaking and I will try them out.
Munoz, Nicole. "Basic Kayaking Strokes" April 20, 2007. June 11 2011
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