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The Reverse Sweep Stroke

Peter Salisbury
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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 at first. However, once you have mastered the reverse sweep stroke, then you should practice doing it while moving, and also practice combinations of the forward and reverse sweep strokes.

Just as you would in a regular reverse stroke, you should have the paddle blade enter the water near your hips. Then, you should push the blade out in a wide arc and toward the bow of your kayak. Make sure that you are using the back of the kayak blade when you do this.

Like most other kayaking moves and strokes, you should also make sure that you are always keeping your arms slightly bent. This will help you have more control and power over the kayak paddle. You will also be able to prevent some injuries by paddling this way. If you’re especially worried about injuries, you should also make sure that you are only holding onto the kayak paddle lightly. That way, you will not injure your wrists.

You should also make sure that the paddle is remaining low when you stroke – and also keep in mind that moves like the reverse sweep stroke require that you move your torso a lot. If you are not moving your torso when doing the reverse sweep stroke, then that means you have a little trouble with your technique and should work on improving it.

By doing the forward and the reverse sweep strokes together, you will be able to turn your kayak very quickly.

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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.