How to Paddle a Kayak Properly

Paddling a kayak is an easy thing to do, and you don't need perfect technique to get your kayak moving. But, with good paddling technique, you'll be able to paddle faster and longer, and you'll be more comfortable while you paddle.

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[wolfkayakingbahamas]

Ken was my 1st Kayak Instructor. Watched his videos a 1, 000 times. Excellent stuff.

[RyderDye]

He seems like he'd be the nicest person you could ever meet. Which makes him great as an educator. Thank you! I learned a lot, which is true for all his videos! :)

[doubled]

Always great to get a refresher course from the master paddler! Thanks for sharing!

[davidmok]

love all the SIDE NOTEs given! on point! off to paddling now..

[notlt]

I do like the hint to bring a sponge! Really makes for a cleaner, easier ride over time.

[KayakingBubblehead]

I started watching your how to paddle videos before I bought my 1st kayak, now I guide on a flat water tidal river in Florida and just bought a great paddle that has made paddling more fun and easier to do. Thanks for all of these videos and keep them coming please.

[ryandalusung]

Great tips, thanks!! Never kayaked before, but wanna try it for a couple hours with a friend. Good things to keep in mind before I actually get in the water!!!

[ninaroaming]

Thank you so much for your video. I just got an inflatable kayak two days ago and I'm ready to binge watch all your videos 🎉 this one is so helpful, keep up the good work💫

[ShakespeareCafe]

You have a real engaging personality...thank you Paddle TV for providing all this knowledge and tips

[Dutcharmytent]

My go to channel, just started back up in retirement, I was at school when I last paddled in the sea scouts. Canvas canoes back then.

[TheEpic]

You are a great instructor, which I really notice and admire in people.

[grahamashby]

Your earlier paddle technique video helped immensely Ken. This one is equally good. Thanks as always. Loving the look of that boat, too.

[kattotonic]

I just picked up an Aqua-Bound paddle! Can't wait to try it out!!! Thanks Ken!!!

[delightsmash]

I tried kayaking for the first time yesterday and I rolled over in the water -.- kinda embarassing and I got a little bummed out. But now Ive been bench watching your videos and im pumped for revenge! xD

I think I rolled over cause I wasnt prepared for how it would feel to kayak. It is something I never experienced, I was stiff as a rock and wobbled all the time! So tomorrow im going back with my friend and this time I will use every advice from these videos.

[juanzuniga]

very informative, i just got into kayaking. took my first trip down the Colorado river

[dianes]

On a long Kayak trip in Alaska - Prince William Sound - I had huge trouble with my kayak stroke. It destroyed my arms. The right way to paddle is with torso rotation, as explained in the video. My Kayak friends didnt know how to explain it to me, but I eventually figured it out and it made the trip MUCH easier. I used my arms as flexible supports for the paddle, and put very little arm energy into the stroke.... Mean while, my paddling partner ( 2 person kayaks) never figured it out. He used his arms the whole way, and suffered alot of soreness.

[Gerooge]

I have always understood that the purpose of feathering the blades was less about air resistance on the recovery than it is about helping the blade slice cleanly out of the water at the end of the stroke without having to turn the wrist so much. Otherwise, there is a tendency to withdraw the blade with more face upward, lifting more water than with a clean, slicing exit, unless a more aggressive wrist twist is employed, which wears the wrist a lot more.

[guycharron]

Your videos are always interesting and entertaining. Thanks Ken.

[p.a.ch.]

Excellent tips and side notes explanation

[logotrikes]

What a lovely kayak. Here in Australia they're not cheap, but look well worth the coin.. Excellent vid for absolute beginners like me dude...