Both canoe and kayak paddling require a similar range of basic strokes and techniques.
Learn more below about the range of different paddle strokes, from beginner to advanced. We’ll be looking at canoeing in it’s broadest sense, that is, canoes and kayaks. After, check out Canoeing and sea kayaking in Scotland’s wild waters for some inspiration!
Go to:
Basic canoe and kayak strokes
Obviously, the type of paddle you have will depend on the craft. Thus, ‘open’ (Canadian) canoes use a paddle with a single blade and kayaks use one with a double blade. Check you are gripping it correctly, so you get the best efficiency. Novice paddlers should learn to ‘bury’ the paddle blade underwater on each stroke for maximum effectiveness. Steering your canoe or sea kayak in a straight line depends on careful forward paddling strokes. This will differ depending on whether you are paddling solo or double, but it always needs a comfortable, secure connection to the boat. Kneeling actually gives the best power and stability in an open canoe. Whereas best power transfer in a kayak comes largely from correctly adjusted footrests. Good technique involves what we call trunk rotation, ie: using your back muscles rather than just your arms.
In coaching we often use the phrase ‘body, boat and blade’ to help learners focus on different aspects of their paddle strokes.
The sweep stroke is a great basic manouvering stroke for both kayaks and canoes. A forward sweep maintains speed, whereas a reverse sweep greatly reduces boat speed during the turn. However, performing opposing sweep strokes on either side of your kayak or canoe will spin the boat on the spot! Backwards paddling is important, if for no other reason than to slow down and stop before hitting the bank or another boat! It also comes in useful for launching and landing and, at higher levels, for manouvering in strong wind.
I love my Bending Branches canoe paddle. Laminated wood makes it strong and very comfortable, and the beavertail shape makes it great for both deep and shallow-water paddling.
Advanced canoe and kayak techniques
As your skill develops, you might add in a draw stroke. These relatively basic paddling strokes enable you to pull the whole canoe (or just the bow or stern) sideways. For beginner paddlers, this is really useful when manouvering in tight spaces or rafting up. The great thing with draw strokes is that there are several variations, gradually involving more power and finesse. So, for example we have the sculling draw and hanging draw. These are both a step up from the basic version of the stroke, but work equally well in kayak or canoe. To mix things up even more, adjust your draw stroke to make the boat move sideways away from the paddle. These so-called pry strokes require a fair bit of skill, especially when performed in their sculling or hanging forms. As their name suggests, prys gain leverage from the hull of the boat.
Blade recovery is a good focus for intermediate paddlers, because it helps you do more with each stroke (that is by adding power or steering). So, you might recover the paddle through the air when paddling slowly on a flat calm day, but through the water to add steering or support in windy or turbulent conditions. To avoid having to change grip on the paddle shaft, solo paddlers may employ cross-deck strokes. These advanced canoe paddling strokes require a good degree of mobility and blade feel, but look great when done well.
Good paddling also depends on correct boat edging and trim.
Blend paddling strokes in canoe or kayak
This is where paddling becomes an art form and intermediates and experts stand out from novices and beginners. Blending allows you to keep the blade in the water for longer, which improves control, stability and efficiency. So, for example, you could blend a forward power stroke with a stern rudder (‘J’ stroke). The canoe pivot turn is a wonderful combo of forward power, J stroke, reverse sweep, bow draw and underwater recovery. Definitely not a beginner canoe stroke (and not easy in a kayak either!).
Steering strokes
The bread-and-butter stroke for solo canoe paddlers is either the J stroke or Canadian stroke. Both of these actually apply forward power, but blend into a steering element. In contrast, we can just steer our canoe by making our paddle into a rudder, like any other boat. This is quite a passive paddling stroke because it adds no forwards power to the canoe or kayak. But when surfing waves, or in a following sea, it is essential! Things get even more fun when you realise that you can also create a bow rudder (bow cut in an open canoe). These strokes turn you very powerfully and can potentially tip you in (especially a bow jam!).
Paddlers also need other specific skills appropriate to their journey. Fundamental ones are knowing what to wear for canoeing and what gear to take paddling. How to pack a boat and call for help are very important for any journey. And depending on location, you might need more specialist skills like tidal planning, portaging or sailing.
Paddling support strokes
These are the potentially wet ones and they all rely on the flat (usually ‘non-drive’) face of the paddle. By pressing down or slapping the surface of the water, you can exert a strong stabilising effect on the boat. So, the low brace and high brace are important basic strokes, particularly for those in a white water kayak. But these must be done with care to avoid damaging your shoulder. These strokes exert power for only a second or two, but a sculling brace may be needed if support is needed over a longer time (but this is definitely a stroke for advanced paddlers).
Rolling
As your repertoire of paddle strokes and blade feel develops, you will get to the stage where you will want to learn to roll. There is a large number of different rolls, whereby the paddler rights a capsized boat without exiting it. These are certainly very complicated manouvers, relying on a solid ‘hip flick’ and well-timed and accurate movements. Rolls to look out for are the C-to-C, screw and pawlata. A good roll is reliable, confidence-inspiring and built on a solid foundation of basic kayak strokes.
All paddlers should learn how to perform a reliable deep water rescue. Usually, this involves emptying a capsized or swamped boat and quickly helping the swimmer back in. Towing is another important rescue skill. Rolling, on the other hand, is one of several self-rescue methods.
So, to paddle a canoe or kayak successfully, you only need to know one or two very basic strokes. But with experience and practise, you can soon learn many others, which will help you journey with more confidence and control!
Connect and enjoy nature on the water
