Inflatable Kayak Blog

A useful paddle stroke when you’re out in your kayak is the “forward sweep stroke”. This stroke will move the kayak in the opposite direction of the stroke. It’s executed by making a broad sweeping stroke on one side of the kayak. The power face of the blade is buried in the water and the stroke starts at bow and is swept in a wide arc with the power coming from your body twist. The stroke finishes when rotation finishes. The sweep will push you in the opposite direction. This is especially helpful in fast moving water to keep the kayak on course. Whether you’re paddling a hard shell, inflatable or folding kayak, knowing the techniques for a variety of paddle strokes will add to your enjoyment on the water.

NOTE: An example of the stroke is shown in this YouTubeVideo.