How to Paddle in the Wind on a Paddle Board Kayak Hybrid

In this video ISLE's VP of Product and instructor trainer Jimmy Blakeney discusses paddling in the wind while paddle boarding or kayaking, specifically on hybrid paddle board kayaks, or other craft with a planing hull and skeg at the tail/stern.
www.islesurfandsup.com

[@rachelhand3060]

I thought that moving forward on my board helped me on a really windy day once, but I didn’t know if it was just in my head. This makes so much sense! I’m definitely doing this from now on. Thanks!

[@teresamastrobuono5873]

Paddling x-wind not all that difficult with a low angle sweep type stroke on the downwind side and a hi angle stroke on the upwind side.... much more energy efficient than an upwind draw while maintaining a rhythm and not fighting the wind with that draw. Paddled a Switch last season after years of sea kayaking, whitewater canoe and kayaking and quite pleased with performance of this craft in all conditions. Look forward to seeing how it performs with a full load on extended trips. Nice work.

[@Islesurfboards]

Awesome to hear you're enjoying the Switch! Agreed with. your points, but would add that the upstream stroke is really a "hybrid" stroke - part forward stroke / part closed-face draw. This does not lose momentum because the closed-face draw actually generates momentum when done properly. This becomes more important in windier conditions where a sweep on the downwind side is just not enough to stay on course if you use a standard high angle forward stroke on the upwind side.