“How to Paddle Forward”
Kayaking is a lot of fun and can provide more than just a great way to explore the outdoors. Kayaking can become a fascinating hobby with interesting views and adventures around each corner. Depending on where you plan on venturing to, it is important to understand the basic paddling maneuver.
We have broken it down into 3 Easy Steps to Follow:
STEP 1: PADDLE GRIP
- Hold the kayak paddle on the black grip area. This is where you will hold the paddle while paddling.
- Be sure to keep your grip aligned with your shoulders.
STEP 2: PADDLE MOTION
- While sitting in the kayak, dip the right of the paddle into the water until you cannot see the blade of the paddle any longer.
- Pull the paddle towards yourself on the right side, take the paddle out of the water and dip the paddle into the left side.
- Pull paddle towards yourself on the left side and continue onto the right side again.
- Continue this motion.
STEP 3: KAYAK POSITIONING
- You will notice that when you paddle on the right side, this pushes the kayak to the left. Same for when you paddle on the left side as it pushes the kayak to the right.
- This is why it is important to continue paddle motions back and forth left to right to stay in a straight line.
- If nose of the kayak is veering towards to left, paddle on the right side to align straight again.
- Wherever the nose of the kayak is pointing is where the kayak is going to go once there is momentum.
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There are many ways to become efficient at paddling. We have found that the best way is practice makes perfect! If you live in the DFW Metroplex or plan on visiting sometime, try renting a kayak from us and we will surely show you a great time on the water.
SAFETY TIP: Now that you have a basic understanding of how to paddle forward in your kayak, try it for yourself in a safe environment. Be sure to always let others where you are going when embarking on kayak adventures. It is always great to know that someone knows where you are in the case of an emergency.
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