The stern rudder is an easy to learn form of steering your kayak. The stern rudder is a quick way to turn your kayak. However, like all of the turning moves that require you to place your paddle in the water, it can have a dragging effect, and may slow you down considerably if you … Read more
The bow rudder is related to the bow/draw rudder, but it is slightly easier to perform. If you have learned the bow/draw rudder, you may want to look into learning the bow rudder as well. This stroke is used for turning while you are moving in your kayak, just like the bow/draw. However, this stroke … Read more
The forward sweep stroke will help you turn your kayak effectively. While many new kayak models come with built in rudders, that is not the only, or the most effective way to turn your kayak. In fact, if you want your kayak to be as maneuverable as possible, you should practice strokes that will allow … Read more
The low brace turn is one of the best ways to turn the kayak while in motion. One of the things you may find difficult when you’re first learning how to kayak is turning the kayak. There are basically two things that you can always try when you’re first learning how to kayak. First, some … Read more
The bow/draw rudder is one of the hardest, but most efficient, kayaking strokes. While the stern rudder will turn your boat by using your paddle as a rudder near the back of the kayak, you can also perform the bow/draw rudder instead. This is essentially the same move, however, it is performed in front of … Read more
The low support stroke will help you maintain support while you’re kayaking. The first support or brace stroke that you should learn is the low support stroke. This is the easiest stroke for beginners to learn, so you should probably work on learning it first, before you start working on the high support stroke. There … Read more
The draw stroke is an effective method of pulling your kayak to the side without turning. Once you’ve learned how to paddle forward and in reverse, you may want to learn the draw stroke. This stroke is also called “pulling” the kayak, and will help you to move from side to side in the kayak. … Read more
The reverse sweep stroke is also highly important to learn in order to turn your kayak. After you have mastered the forward sweep stroke, the reverse sweep stroke is another powerful turning move that you should consider learning in order to make your kayaking more effective. This stroke is also best learned while sitting still … Read more
The high support stroke is more difficult, but will also prevent capsizing. The high support stroke is similar to the low stroke in that it will help you to maintain your stability and prevent capsizing while you are on the water. However, it requires a different technique and is likely a bit harder than the … Read more
The support/brace strokes can help you avoid capsizing. Another type of kayaking stroke that is often overlooked are the support/brace strokes. These strokes exist to help you gain some more control over your kayak if you are having trouble, or if you are in an area where the water has started to get rougher. Essentially, … Read more
