How to Paddle a Kayak - Forward Stroke

Learn the fundamentals of the kayak forward stroke in this excerpt from the Gordon Brown DVD

[SanFranciscoKayakAdventures]

We teach sea kayaking.  This is BY FAR THE VERY BEST INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO that we have seen!!  If you want to learn how to paddle efficiently, with power, longevity, and with proper ergonomic body mechanics (to reduce injury and build proper muscle memory and strength) study this video!  This Forward Paddle Stroke form is great for racing, touring, and the rec paddlers who really want to up their game and look and feel like a pro!!  Thank you Gordon this video, your clear instruction, and the brilliant use of colored tape is really top-notch!!

[TheBlindPariah]

It was heartening to hear at the end that one can not expect to master the stroke in one busy season. I bought my first kayak last year and spent over 90 hours in my "rookie" year. I want to explore the different lakes and rivers in my area, and I am impatient with mastering technique.

So, as a result, I have some tendonitis issues in my right (dominant) side elbow from too much pulling. I wear a brace but it is still an issue early this year.

This is a discouraging development. I am forced to address it, and have been frustrated with my perception of lacking progress in my efforts to avoid further injury. I've watched a bunch of videos but it is hard to remember it all when out on the water.

So just to hear that perhaps I should not expect myself to have it all down by now was helpful. I plan to take lessons soon so somebody can watch me and perhaps catch what I can't see myself doing wrong. I consider it an imperative to succeed!

I shall bookmark this video and return to review as I continue to learn. Thanks for the effort taken to create it!

[Fremulshmat]

So well explained….best I’ve seen yet. Thanks for posting.

[PaddleDogC]

got 3 videos for xmas highly recommended go Gordon.

[josephinebennington]

Gordon, Up to 2.20 you aren’t pushing with an open hand and you are concentrating on describing pulling (which is actually the natural action we feel) . After that point you introduce the open hand push. So which one should it be, please?. Push from the high hand, pull from the low hand, or both simultaneously?. I’ve noticed I can get a better core rotation with the open upper hand pushing. Tx.

[josephinebennington]

At 2.17 your paddle end is still well under water, clearly driving, and behind the point where you (and even my local mentor) said it should be exiting the water. The reality seems to be different to the advice. Can you please say more, or maybe agree with me?