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The High Support Stroke

Peter Salisbury
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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 low support stroke.

For this reason, while it is a good idea to learn both support strokes just in case they are needed, you will probably want to learn the low support stroke first. That way, you’ll already know one of the strokes if you need it, and it will make it easier for you to learn the more difficult high support stroke.

Unlike the low stroke, the high support stroke will use the front or “face” of the paddle blade instead of the back. You should make sure that you keep your hands in the right position while you are working on the high support stroke, as well, otherwise you may find yourself dislocating a shoulder or getting another highly preventable injury.

You should hold the kayak paddle in a horizontal position at about shoulder height. Make sure that you keep your elbows under the paddle. Then, you should try to tip yourself over as though you’re going to capsize.

As soon as the face of the kayak paddle hits the water, you should use the paddle for support and use your lower body to move yourself upright again. This is another place where the hip flick will come in handy – so if you have not learned that move yet, you should start learning it now.

While the high support stroke is more difficult than some other support strokes, it is highly useful to learn this stroke as well..

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Peter Salisbury

I’m Pete. I am the owner of KayakHelp.com. I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I grew up kayaking, fishing, sailing, and partaking in outdoor adventures around the Great Lakes. When I am not out on the water, you can find me skiing in the mountains, reading my favorite books, and spending time with my family.