Discovering How to Kayak

Dive into the fundamentals of efficient paddling, master essential strokes, and navigate the waters with confidence. Join us as we explore the art of kayaking through the expertise of Ken Whiting.

Introduction and Paddle Grip

Kayaking is an intuitive activity, but developing proper technique for the three essential kayak strokes is crucial for paddling more efficiently and effectively.

Paddle Grip:
  • Hold the paddle with hands an equal distance from the blades, slightly more than shoulder-width apart.
  • Maintain a relaxed grip. Prefer a paddle with no twist or feather

Introduction and Paddle Grip

Kayaking is an intuitive activity, but developing proper technique for the three essential kayak strokes is crucial for paddling more efficiently and effectively.

  • Hold the paddle with hands an equal distance from the blades, slightly more than shoulder-width apart.
  • Maintain a relaxed grip. Prefer a paddle with no twist or feather

Sitting Position

A proper sitting position is essential for effective paddling.

Active Paddling Position:

  • Feet on the foot pegs or braces.
  • Knees slightly bent.
  • Legs splayed out to the sides.

This position allows for proper body engagement during paddling.

Forward Stroke

The forward stroke is the most important stroke in kayaking.

Technique:

  1. Reach with the shoulder and turn at the waist to wind up the body.
  2. Plant the blade fully in the water.
  3. Pull through the water while unwinding the body using torso rotation.
  4. Slice the blade out past the hip.
  5. The top hand pushes forward at eye level.
  6. Engage the lower body by pushing off the foot peg on the stroke side.

Sweep Stroke

The sweep stroke is used for turning the kayak.

Technique:

  1. Wind up the body and reach past the toes.
  2. Plant the blade.
  3. Sweep a wide arc out to the side while unwinding the body.
  4. The reverse sweep is the same motion in reverse, starting from the stern.

Advanced Techniques:

  • Tilt the kayak into the stroke for more effective turning.

Draw Stroke

The draw stroke moves the kayak laterally or sideways.

Technique:

  1. Turn the body to face the desired direction.
  2. Reach out with the blade straight from the hip.
  3. Draw the water towards the hip.
  4. Slice the blade out before it hits the boat.

Variations:

  • Knifing Draw: Involves steady pressure and rotation without slicing the blade out.
  • Sculling Draw: A continuous drawing motion with the blade in the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need to have any experience?
We all have to start somewhere so of course not.

Youtube, forums, and online are great ways to get started before you hop on the water but we recommend finding others to go with at first until you feel comfortable on the water.
2What do I need to get started?
To get started we recommend having a boat of course but also a PFD (Lifejacket), and a paddle.

Some other things to consider are dry bags/boxes, water shoes (not flipflops), spare clothes, dry wear, sunhats, sponge, bilge pump, and more.

Take a look on our website to see what we carry!
3Do I need to wear my lifejacket?
We highly recommend it; in a study done by the coast guard it was found that 87% of people who drowned were NOT wearing lifejackets.

So be safe and wear your lifejackets. If you don't have one, we carry a wide variety in store and here online!

In some states you legally have to wear a PFD on the water. In Indiana you must wear it if you are in a sit-on-top but if not, it must be somewhere on the boat. Check your local and state regulations.
4What about the weather?
Only go out if you feel comfortable DO NOT go out if you feel worried or anxious about the weather.

We do not reccommend going out in conditions that have high wind speeds or in thunderstorms.

If you do go out in moderate to severe weather make sure to dress for the occasion whether its boatloads of sunscreen or water proof jackets with sprayskirts.
5How much can a kayak cost?
Your typical recreational boat can vary but are roughly in the low thousands range.

We do offer a large selection of boats the lowest starting around a few hundred dollars and our most expensive running a few thousand.
6Can I bring my furry friend?
Of course! We carry boats specifically designed to fit dogs.

Keep in mind your dogs temperament, comfort, and energy levels if you wish to take them out.

Also be mindful though that your furry friends will need their own lifejackets when on the water to stay safe.
7Do inflatable kayaks exist?
They in fact do! We currently only carry a few inflatable kayaks single person and tandem styles.

There are a lot of different options out there for inflatable boats and they can be stored a lot easier in smaller spaces than your standard kayak as well.
8Are kayaks heavy?
Depending on your material, boat length, and paddling preferences it can vary.

The most common boats you see on the water are a polyethene rotomolded which are basically thick, heavy-duty plastic and often weighing around 45-65 lbs.

We do offer ABS boats which are an acrylic material made to weigh less than your typical boat that can be roughly 25-40 lbs almost halving the weight! We also carry composite boats that weigh around what the ABS boats do just a different hybrid of materials.
9Do we rent?
We do not rent (Google says we do but dont be fooled!), but we sell a wide variety of boats for you to get your best fit and avoid any hassle with renting!

Look here on our website at a large selection then come on down to check us out!

Have more questions?

Our team of experts is ready and waiting to help you out. Reach out to us now!
CONTACT US