How Do You Do A Forward Stroke In A Sea Kayak?
Learning to perform a smooth and efficient forward stroke is an important step in learning how to sea kayak. It will allow you to kayak for long distances without tiring or cramping prematurely. Relax in your kayak with your feet touching the footpegs. Hold the paddle with both hands in a comfortable wide grip. Put your paddle on top of your head and look at the position of your grip. The proper grip width should give your arms a 90 degree angle at the elbows. Remember where your hands are in relation to the paddle blades so you can return to the correct grip when you let go of the paddle for some reason. You are now ready to start the forward stroke. Reach your right arm forward, dipping the paddle into the water at a perpendicular angle to the boat. Your right hand should be firmly gripping the paddle at this point. Pull the paddle through the water just outside the wake of the kayak, allowing your hips and shoulders to turn with the motion of your right arm. You’ll notice a natural
