Paddling Kayaking

Expert’s Picks: Paddling Kayaking

How to Paddle a Kayak

As a beginner, learning to make your stroke efficient should be a priority in your kayaking practice. Whether you will be spending long days in the cockpit or you want to fight whitewater, learning to paddle with power and endurance is the first step to succeeding on your next trip. For now, practice perfecting your stroke in calm water with these steps. read more
How to Tandem Paddle a Kayak

For those that enjoy kayaking but prefers to have someone else along, the tandem kayak is an excellent option. A tandem kayak seats two people, one in the front and one in the back. It is very easy to paddle a tandem kayak, and simply involves working rhythmically as a team. Although it is difficult to talk with the other person, as paddlers are facing the s… read more
How to Use Kayak Paddles

Learning to use a kayak paddle is simple as long as you remember to utilize your whole body. It's important to be conscious of your body, how you are holding your paddle, and how you are moving, in order to prevent strains and other injuries. In just a few simple strokes, you can learn how to move your kayak, turn your kayak and even stop it. When first lear… read more
Basic Strokes of Paddling a Kayak

Learning the basic strokes to paddle a kayak will enhance your enjoyment and make paddling easier. These basic strokes serve as a foundation for further skills and advanced paddling techniques, so taking the time to master them will open future possibilities. read more
How to Measure Distance When Paddling a Kayak

You don't need an expensive GPS system--be it a watch or hand-held system you can wear around your neck with a lanyard--to measure the distance you've traveled from point A to point B in your kayak. You can make a manual calculation if you are kayaking on open water where the horizon is visible and your GPS runs out of battery power. The calculation requires… read more

Related Paddling Kayaking Articles & Videos

How to Buy a Kayak Paddle

Your kayak paddle is arguably your most important piece of kayaking gear. Your paddle will control how comfortable you feel in your boat and how effectively you are able to use your boat. Its length will determine your balance and yo… read more
Parts of a Kayak Paddle

There are several different varieties of kayak paddles, each differing slightly depending on if it is used in the ocean, whitewater or river. All kayak paddles however, have the same three basic parts (shaft and two blades) and serve t… read more
How to Use a Kayak Paddle

Your kayak paddle is the single most important piece of kayaking equipment you have. Using it effectively will keep you from capsizing, swamping your boat, drifting and beaching. You need to take ownership of your kayak paddle with a… read more
Kayak Paddling Instructions

Learning a proper kayak paddling technique is an essential step to enjoying your time on the water. Even recreational users benefit greatly from learning proper technique because it means that they can go longer while experiencing less… read more
How to Make Kayak Paddles

There's nothing like kayaking. The feeling of freedom and control over the craft is unrivaled and the versatility of a kayak makes it a winner in nearly any waters. It can, however, be a costly hobby. Making your own carbon fiber paddl… read more
Advanced Paddling Techniques for Kayaking

After mastering the essential roll technique, kayaking can be taken to the next level with advanced strokes and skills to improve balance, turning, and confidence on challenging lines. Efficiency with strokes and boofing allow the kaya… read more
How to Measure a Kayak Paddle

Kayak paddle overall length is normally given in centimeters by manufacturers. Other measurements are figured by what system you're comfortable with. Three key factors go into choosing the proper length of a double-bladed kayak paddle… read more
How to Choose a Kayak Paddle

Three factors--your height, the width of the kayak and your paddling style--determine the best length of your paddle. Blade shape, shaft shape and composition materials vary according to the type of paddling you will do and your person… read more
How to Use a Kayak Paddle With a Canoe

Usually, a canoe is paddled by two people, each using a single-bladed paddle on either side of the canoe. Kayak paddles are double-bladed and designed to be used by a single boater on low-slung kayaks. Many canoe enthusiasts have disco… read more
The Kayak Paddling Methods

Kayak paddling methods are more about technique than upper body strength. When you learn how to properly paddle a kayak the payoff is a huge increase in enjoyment of the sport. You will be able to spend more time on the water, go fart… read more
How to Size a Kayak Paddle

After picking out a kayak, the next step is to get a paddle, something too many novice paddlers don't pay enough attention to. Getting the right kayak paddle involves looking at the blades and getting the right length for the applicati… read more
How to Feather a Kayak Paddle

Besides your kayak, your paddle is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will use in the activity of kayaking. A large consideration you will need to make is whether to kayak with your paddle feathered or unfeathered. Feath… read more
How to Make a Wooden Kayak Paddle

Making a wooden paddle for your kayak is one of the easier ways to mark yourself as a serious kayaker. The design may be simple, but the hardest part is shaping the blade and thinning it. Patience and planning will help you make a pre… read more
Problems Separating Kayak Paddles

Your kayak paddle separates into two pieces at a joint. It's not uncommon for these pieces to stick together. Learning what causes this, and how to prevent it, will save you time during your next kayaking trip. read more
How to Make a Kayak Paddle Lanyard

A paddle set on the surface of the water while you do something else, like taking a picture or opening your day hatch, can quickly drift away. Keep your paddle close by making a kayak paddle lanyard, often called a paddle leash, to att… read more

Paddling Kayaking Photos

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