Essential Kayak Strokes - How to Turn a Kayak

Recreational kayaks and touring kayaks are typically designed to paddle in a straight line. This means that some kayaks can be very difficult to turn. In this video, we look at the quickest and most efficient way to turn any recreational or touring kayak.
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[@annetrimble3673]

This is the best visual and verbal explanation I have found. Thank you!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Anne! Glad you like it.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Great tip about keeping your eyes on the blade. Thanks, Ken. Now I know which Pungo you will be reviewing. 🙂👍😋

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! You caught me. :).

[@trishaharrison6183]

Great explanation. Thanks

[@backpacker3421]

For even more power on a sweep stroke, it is ok to move your hands on the paddle to extend the paddle out toward the outside of the turn. At its most extreme, it's not uncommon to see experienced paddlers in some regions place their inside hand on the blade of the paddle and their outside hand near the middle. When he says don't change your hands on the paddle, he means don't rotate the paddle to change to the blade angle. And he's right. If you do move your hands to extend the paddle out, be aware and keep your blade angle correct. For recreational kayaks, I should say this kind of leverage on a sweep stroke is not necessary. But on longer touring kayaks, sea kayaks, it can be very useful. It's also good to understand why edging the kayak (leaning) helps turn the boat. It creates a longer waterline on one side of the boat, which makes that side of the boat "faster" in the water. If you practice, you can make course corrections simply by edging without adjusting your paddle stroke at all.

[@PaddleTV]

Good point! There's nothing wrong with moving your hands along the paddle to get better reach. I wouldn't recommend this in rougher conditions, but in flatwater it's very effective.

[@backpacker3421]

@@PaddleTV Absolutely, and it's a skill that should come after the standard strokes are pretty fluent and blade angle is automatic.

[@dreman5547]

Hey Ken, good stuff, I’d love to see you make a video on kayak sailing with a Falcon Sail set up. Free power! Cool eh?

[@Cotivity]

Great tips, maybe update it with a Greenland paddle also if there's any difference in technique?

[@rogercortin]

Great tip. An idea to the next video, teach to use the paddle as a rudder.

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks for the idea!

[@jotong]

hi we are kayaking learning how but i having ahard time