Kayaking can be a lot of fun for both young and old.
This water sport allows you to connect with nature while having a chance to exercise and flex your muscles. The best part is that it’s so easy to learn that it doesn’t require you to have an extraordinary skill to start.
Although you don’t have to spend countless hours to practice kayaking, you still need to learn the basics.
So today, we’ll teach you how to properly hold the paddle. You’ll learn the dynamics and techniques to ensure that you are in complete control of the vessel while you glide through the calm waters of Dubai beaches.
Without further ado, let’s dive into details:
Understanding the structure of the kayak paddle
Before you start paddling into the water, first you have to understand the science behind the structure of the paddle.
Most kayak paddles that you find in the marketplace are one long pole that have rubber ends called blades. Unlike the canoe paddle, the kayak paddle has two blades attached to the shaft. These blades served as the power that helps the kayak move through the water. The back of the paddle is technically called the back face.
In general, paddles for kayaks and canoes are asymmetrical in structure. You’ll notice that the upper edge of the blade is typically longer compared to its lower edge. You have to be aware of this so that you won’t hold the paddle on the wrong side.
Hold the kayak paddle with both hands
When holding the paddle, the distance between both hands should be at least an arms length or about 15 inches wide. You don’t have to follow this figure down to a tee. It still depends on how you are comfortable with your grip.
For longer trips, a narrower grip is a good option as it provides a little bit of comfort and ease. However, if you want more control on the paddle, you can hold the paddle with a wide grip.
Use your right hand as your control. You should not change your grip while you stroke so that the movement of the paddle will not be affected as it slides through the water. The angle of the blade can be controlled by your right hand.
Here’s what you need to do…
Hold the paddle shaft with your left hand. Your grip with the left hand should be relaxed so that your right hand can still twist the paddle in the right direction when you turn. Keep in mind that your grip with your right hand should not be too tight. Otherwise, your hand will get tired easily.
Make sure your paddle faces the right direction
The faces of kayak paddle blades have different shapes and designs. Depending on the manufacturer, some are flat while others are curved. You will also notice that some are ribbed and others can be completely smooth.
The concave side of the blade is known as the power face. During the forward stroke, the concave side is responsible for pulling your kayak through the water.
Here’s the funny part… Most beginners tend to hold the paddles backward. You may think that it doesn’t matter which way your paddle is facing, but it actually affects the power of your stroke.
The correct way should be like this:
The paddle blade that is concave should be facing the paddler. This way, you’ll maximize each stroke and you will move faster through the water.
Get the right distance between your paddle and your body
You have to stay comfortable with your grip on the paddle. One way is to keep the paddle at least 30 centimeters away from your body. That’s approximately about an arm’s length. Having the right distance between the paddle and your body will ensure that you’ll be more comfortable paddling on the water.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Knowing how to properly hold the kayak paddle is primarily the first step in learning how to kayak. This skill is one of the pillars of kayaking as it will help you control the speed and direction of the vessel.
You’ll understand more about the detailed approach to kayaking when you visit Kite N Surf in Dubai. The Kite N Surf Team will help you get started in the wonderful world of kayaking. For more details abut our kayak rentals in Dubai please visit our City Beach location
In case you are interested in buying a kayak you can visit have a go on one of our kayaks available at our City Beach location or you can order directly from our kayak collection available at our online Kayak shop in Dubai
