Kids Basic Kayak Paddle Strokes

Paddling a kayak is very intuitive.  Kids only take a few minutes of sitting on a kayak and playing around in the water with a paddle to start to get a feel for what to do.  Then the fun begins!  Your child will be so excited to propel themselves through the water, even if they don't go in a straight line at first.  They will get a feel for how to use their paddle to maneuver their kayak.  They will improve with experience and as they get stronger. 

For many children, basic paddle strokes come very naturally, and it is not always necessary to discuss every stroke before they get in the water, though talking through stroke techniques as your child makes progress can help them grown in skill.   

The basic kayak paddle strokes to get your kids started are:

• Forward Stroke - rotating at the torso, dip one blade in the water near the front of the kayak pulling the paddle blade naturally through the water from front to back to propel the kayak forward, followed by the same stroke on the other side of the kayak with the other paddle blade; a natural and instinctual stroke.
• Reverse, backstroke or backward stroke - the opposite of the forward stroke. Use the blade of the paddle to move backward against the water from back to the front of the kayak.  This is how you move the kayak backward. 
• Draw - This means to use the paddle to PULL the water towards the side of the kayak.  Use only one blade, holding the paddle with two hands and facing the side of kayak nearest to where you want the kayak to go.  This will move the kayak sideways and helps move the kayak closer to your dock or the bank.   
• Pry - This stroke is the opposite of the draw.  The paddle is used to PUSH water away from the side of your kayak, moving the kayak away from the bank, dock or something else.  Dip the blade in the water near the side of your kayak and then push away from the side out into the water.  Repeat until your kayak is far enough away from the bank to use a forward stroke.  
• Sweep (can be a forward sweep or reverse sweep) - This stroke is best described as a very extended version of either the forward or reverse stroke.  You start as far as you can reach towards the front of the kayak and pull the paddle black in a big sweeping motion to the back of the kayak (or reverse for a reverse or back sweep).  This big sweeping motion turns/spins the kayak very effectively.  

On your first day of putting your kids on the kayak keep these points in mind:
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• Start in very calm water so they have the opportunity to relax and experiment (some people even begin in a swimming pool if their kids are as young as 3 or 4).  The mill pond we started our kids in moves very slowly so the kids could take their time figuring out how to use the paddle and get comfortable without feeling like they would be swept away.  We were able to just help them climb on the kayak (with their life jackets on of course), show them how to hold the paddle, and then we pushed them out into the water.  Our older boys were eight and nine at the time.  It was only about 30 seconds of "Wait! How do I do this?!" before they instinctively began paddling up the banks of the pond.  They never looked back because it was so exciting to be on their kayaks, moving through the water and they weren't in a stressful situation.  They were off on an adventure.  This past year the same scene repeated itself when we put our 4-year-old on a kayak for the first time.  All beginners should start on calm, slow-moving water.

 

• Everyone needs to wear a life jacket.  For in-depth information on which type of life jacket you need for a kid who is going to kayak read this article Life Jackets 101.  

 

• You the parent should be on a sit-on-top kayak, sit-inside kayak, on a paddleboard, or in a canoe so that you can easily help your child and stay near them while they are learning. 

 

• Bring water and snacks.  Awesome snacks are a huge factor in loving kayaking.  Take pictures, laugh, make time for swimming and have lots of fun.  Read this for trip tips on how to help your kids fall in love with kayaking.

 

• Avoid over-teaching and any criticism.  If your child is having fun, it doesn't matter if they are mostly going in circles.  Just relax and let them have this space in their world.  Be there if they need you but remember that one of the greatest things about kid kayaks is that they really can figure it out on their own.  In a world where kids hardly get to explore, let them have the chance to work through it on their own if they want to.  Teach a little here and there, but there is no need to cover it all the first time.  

 

• No whitewater and no ocean for young beginners.  Don't even think about it.  If you scare them by putting them in situations they are not prepared for they will not get back in the water and they will not trust you.  They will also lose self-esteem.  There is plenty of time for this later in the journey.  Be wise and don't let your ego get in the way of being a good parent.

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• Assess how the kayak and the paddle fit your child.  Here is more information on which type of kayak to choose for the age of your child.   

As your child, and maybe your whole family, progress in paddling, you will be able to go in many different directions with your paddling experiences, and I encourage you to read books and take courses teaching advanced kayaking skills if and when you feel your family is ready. 

The most important thing is to take the first step in getting a kayak and helping your kids get started.  They will chart their path after that, depending on their personality.  My boys are not particularly interested in fast pace high adrenaline activities. They are more into science and nature then adrenaline, so they tend to spend endless time paddling and exploring in ponds, lakes, and rivers.  Though exciting, whitewater is probably a long way down the road for these boys, if it ever is on their radar at all.  

Every child and every family is different.  The joy of paddling is that it can take you in many different directions in the future (whitewater, fishing, camping, touring trips) but for now enjoy this beginner stage and encourage your kids to take their time and have fun. 
        

Stay nearby while they are learning and always be prepared to help them if they feel overwhelmed. 

Keep trips short and opt for good weather days. 

​Be prepared with all the things that make a kayaking trip fun!   
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Happy Kayaking!