Check out my new RUclips channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
I find it amazing, the number of new paddlers that think the lesson is over after the forward stroke. I always show the brace right off, and have had many new paddlers tell me that they don't need to learn that skill because they will never paddle in waves, so will never tip. These are the same people you see with no safety gear, sitting on their PFD.
I played a kayak game in VR where the tutorial was all of these techniques. It was weird when I got into a kayak and my body already knew how to control it.
Ken thank you for this excellent paddle stroke presentation! I really enjoy your style of teaching…It’s done in a confident and calm manner that promotes confidence to get out and apply..Looking forward to more videos
PaddleTV's production quality is on point. Even when I "know" a topic, I enjoy the superb camera work and always pick up something that I need to improve. (been gettin' lazy on sculling) Thanks!
It turns out I've been doing it wrong all summer. I've been simply pulling the paddle towards me with my arm and 10 km was kind of the limit so far, involved a a few breaks and bit of muscle pain too. Yesterday I went out using the forward stroke shown here and I went 16 kilometers without my arms feeling worn out and with fewer breaks. Also learned my core and shoulders need some training to get on par with my arms; Those definately hurt from yesterday. 😆 Thanks for the video. This really helps.
Great channel! I am an occasional kayaker, but I love it. It is an intuitive sport, and I'll never return to canoes! I am a small woman with little strength, so canoeing with my partner made me nervous about whether he would become ill while paddling. I couldn't handle the canoe alone, but once I got into a kayak, I'd never return. Please let me know if anyone would like to buy his Coleman canoe. We'll never get in it again. Thanks again for providing such great information; your channel is great!
Awesome video. Very clear and to the point. I’m a new paddler and did a 6 mile paddle this weekend. My arms and body turned to mush at mile 4. I was not using paddle rotation. I knew about… but didn’t take it that seriously… until after the paddle. I now appreciate and truly understand your video. Thanks so much for posting.
You are a great instructor that has wonderful communication skills, details explained for a beginner that gives confidence like me. I don’t own a kayak but have been hours watching and taking notes. I can’t decide if I want a touring or something shorter for a lazy lake. My decision is leaning towards touring but whatever I decide will certainly be taking the course. Thanks for your in-depth lessons!
I watched quite a few different peoples how to paddle videos before I even bought my first kayak but I learned more from you than any others, thank you for all the great tips and tricks and great videos.
These strokes remind me of T'ai Chi. I just started kayaking and realize I'm doing some of these things rather naturally. I'm pretty much hooked! I need to get my own rig and a way to transport it. Thank you for these vids!
Cool comparison! Never thought of that. If getting a kayak around is an issue, you might consider a portable kayak, like the Oru Kayak or an inflatable kayak like Sea Eagle or Advanced Elements.
Loved your presentation style it's very accessible. I was taught by the late Derek Hutchinson, the author of Sea Canoeing, and he was equally good at explaining technique 👍
Probably only feather if it is windy so you have less wind on the top hand of the stroke... Not for comfort but more for energy saving. Using the straight arm pull with new paddles also helps test the play in a two piece or the flex /stiffness of the blades.
Draw stroke: the Schlingmann draw is well demonstrated. The upper hand is open. It should always be open, even for the two first draw stroke he shows, as it will help not to capsize if the paddle goes under the boat. Forward paddling: the blade should go away from the kayak more (not keep alongside the kayak), which allows less work for the arms and more for the torso. Also, the teacher should never use the words push and pull for forward paddling. The rotation of the torso is all what is needed. The blade should not pass the heap really. Shorter strokes is better, and if you want to paddler quicker, just increase the frequency, not the length of the stroke.
Excellent demonstration. I’ve paddle canoes for 50 years, but I’m new to kayaks. Pretty similar theory, but some nuisances that are a little different.
This is the first video I have seen about paddling that has talked about the draw stroke. I have already had several times where that would come in handy. Thanks for the info.
I am in rehabilitation from c7 rupture n the nerve damage. Kayaking is my goal n this , my friend is the best, clearest, so well thought thru n engaging tutorial. Now back to my resistance bands in preparation.
This is the best video on beginners kayaking I have watched! I watched numerous other videos but couldn't quite grasp the techniques completely. You explained the strokes so well, both verbally and visually, I finally understand! Thanks a bunch!
PaddleTV I can't thank you enough!!! Went kayaking for the first time today with a work group. Got stuck a couple times, but did not flip!! Your videos are awesome!!
I'm a brand new kayaker, only been on the water once 4 days ago, and that was the first time I've been on water in a couple decades. My motivation was better fishing spots and finding great campsites, I wasn't sure on if I wanted the extra expense of a roof rack for my car so I went with the Intex excursion pro k2 inflatable kayak which also has very good stability and that was important for me since I swim like a rock a PFD was without question a must have. My kayak is 12'7"/ 3'1"/1'6" , I practiced the strokes in this video and I can tell you if you are on the fence about kayaking don't be, instantly I was slicing through the water. I focused on technique from the start and it was very enjoyable, I even combined a forward sweep stroke with the reverse, the strokes I didn't practice much was the different draw strokes those I'll focus on more next time out . Right away though I knew the stock paddles weren't good enough, they felt to short for my height, they felt to short for the width of my kayak, the blades have a lot of flex in them and I didn't like the feel of the 5 pieces that made up my paddle so I bought the Pelican brand Angler paddle. It measures in at 250 cm has a bit longer and wider blade, two piece anti slip shaft with a oval indexing grip on the right, adjustable feathering and the difference in feel is amazing even though it's not a high end paddle. If I can conquer my fear of water and get in a kayak you can also, just be safe, take it at a pace comfortable to you and you alone and enjoy. Great video it helped me a ton, thank you.
I am new to kayaking and I really enjoyed your video on paddling techniques. I have been practicing them and want to ensure that I am paddling correctly with good habits and technique. Thank you!
I watched this video after 15 years of paddling. I thought i must be doing something fundamentally wrong because the pain in my arms was interfering with my everyday life. I was afraid i might have to give it up. It never occurred to me the twist of my paddle was the problem. Thank you for the tip. I had to re-learn paddling without the twist but the pain is nearly gone now. I can't thank you enough.
Very well explained and demonstrated. I've done kayaking on a lake and once on the sea before but never had much coaching or technique explained to me. I never even knew about the draw stroke, but makes total sense now. This really helps and I'll use it next time, thanks!
Brilliantly explained & looking forward to putting these strokes into practice...& building a stronger core at the same time. Thank you so much for sharing.
Wow great explanation and hands on video. I just purchased my first kayak, a fishing yak and learning Via you-tube b4 heading to the water. Thanks for the upload!
In golf, baseball (hitting and throwing), tennis, Javelin, The key to power is torso rotation. the movement is initiated by the knees and the hips. The arms are only hanging on and stretching fully. Thanks for the explanation.
I appreciate your lesson. I already improved my speed by trying higher angle paddle. But now I think I was missing core movement. I’m sure it was there, it’s inevitable but reaching from toe and winding the body was not complete. I progressed and learned well pushing paddle rather it only pulling, but I see there is so much to learn and polish the technique. Thank you
i always teach pushing and rotation not pulling with bottom hand the power comes from the core . pulling tires the small arm muscles and wrists . just what i have found from 15 years of teaching and taught by british canoeing
Excellent video! When you master the paddle stroke, you can paddle and enjoy just about any style and type of kayak. Totally agree about less angling of the blades.
This is awesome. I'm a new paddler with a SOT (Vibe) and a sit-in (Pelican ) kayak. This is so helpful. I shared the video with a Georgia Kayak group, too. Thank you!
Thank you for this video. Your instruction will get me started in the right direction. No pun intended! Purchased my Pungo 125 2 days ago; time for its maiden voyage!
Great video 👍. For me it highlighted the difference in the sweep strokes between kayak and canoe. My canoe experience helps but I need to make some adjustments even if more mentally than physically.
thank you for the informative content. I've been canoeing for many years. the paddle strokes are similar but not the same. i've just got my first kayak and i'm 58.
Really enjoyed this. really liked the all in he water draw ( the sexy one). I remember this now from when I was a kid on boats in Miami Bach where I grew up.: how to get the little boat up to the dock without banging it, etc. :)
I use mostly what you name a "punching" stroke, that is - instead of pulling the paddle with the lower arm, I "punch" with my upper arm. That does a number of things: It keeps my arms forward and the paddle more vertical for deeper water contact. Your power thrust should stop as the power blade reaches your upright body, so no excessive torso movement. Also, if you follow through with your stroke and pull the power blade past your body, you will be lifting the water at the end of the stroke instead of powering forward, wasting energy.
I did not go kayaking for many years and this was a great, simple, to the point but well detailed , videotaped and edited video. As a budding RUclips content creator, I applaud you for such a great instructional video. Thanks so much from Sugar Land (Greater Houston Area) Texas. PS. my Channel here is art2chef.
I’ve done quite a bit of kayaking but yesterday I did a 22mile river run and watched this video beforehand. The nuances of the forward stroke definitely helped with my paddling efficiency and your other video that touched on getting in and out of eddies was very helpful too. Thanks!
I’m watching all your tutorials since I haven’t purchased a kayak yet. I really want to know basic techniques before getting a kayak. Your video’s have been most informative. I live on the Black Warrior River that has controlled waterways which means very calm water,actually like glass most of the time. We do have occasional tug boats and bass boats that create wakes, but the time I will be on the water early and late the water is like a sheet of glass. I’m physically fit for a 70 year old man. My question is, am I crazy to think kayaking is a good idea?
Check out my new RUclips channel! www.youtube.com/@KenWhitingAdventures is now the place to find all my paddling adventure videos, while PaddleTV will focus on Instruction and Gear Reviews.
Oh my gosh - this 63 yr old MiMaw loves everything about your paddling- dummies- videos!
Ha! That's the best compliment ever. :)
I love how you use drone shots to explain in more details the different strokes. Thanks a lot!
My pleasure!
Clear and effective instruction without goofy fanfare. Thank you.
I find it amazing, the number of new paddlers that think the lesson is over after the forward stroke. I always show the brace right off, and have had many new paddlers tell me that they don't need to learn that skill because they will never paddle in waves, so will never tip. These are the same people you see with no safety gear, sitting on their PFD.
I am forwarding this to a friend who asked me to take him paddling. It will be his first outing. Thank you for all you share about this sport.
Great, and thank you!
@@keystonedaytrip238 they died
As a kayaking coach, that is one very good video. Thank you.
I appreciate that Chris!
I played a kayak game in VR where the tutorial was all of these techniques. It was weird when I got into a kayak and my body already knew how to control it.
As a beginner to kayaking I’m really enjoying your well presented videos and explanations. Thank you so much from Ontario, Canada
I'm just a bigginer & so loving being out on the water . Thanks for all your work in helping out others , cool & thank you from Ireland
You're very welcome!
Ken thank you for this excellent paddle stroke presentation! I really enjoy your style of teaching…It’s done in a confident and calm manner that promotes confidence to get out and apply..Looking forward to more videos
PaddleTV's production quality is on point.
Even when I "know" a topic, I enjoy the superb camera work and always pick up something that I need to improve.
(been gettin' lazy on sculling)
Thanks!
Thanks Rick!
This is perfect for a person who just took a lesson today!!
Great to hear it!
It turns out I've been doing it wrong all summer.
I've been simply pulling the paddle towards me with my arm and 10 km was kind of the limit so far, involved a a few breaks and bit of muscle pain too.
Yesterday I went out using the forward stroke shown here and I went 16 kilometers without my arms feeling worn out and with fewer breaks.
Also learned my core and shoulders need some training to get on par with my arms; Those definately hurt from yesterday. 😆
Thanks for the video. This really helps.
As a beginner paddle myself, i found this this video really helpful and informative. Big help! Thanks.
I have grown and learn so much with this guy. And Rick . Thank you
Great channel! I am an occasional kayaker, but I love it. It is an intuitive sport, and I'll never return to canoes! I am a small woman with little strength, so canoeing with my partner made me nervous about whether he would become ill while paddling. I couldn't handle the canoe alone, but once I got into a kayak, I'd never return. Please let me know if anyone would like to buy his Coleman canoe. We'll never get in it again. Thanks again for providing such great information; your channel is great!
Thank you! Glad you found kayaking!
Awesome video. Very clear and to the point. I’m a new paddler and did a 6 mile paddle this weekend. My arms and body turned to mush at mile 4. I was not using paddle rotation. I knew about… but didn’t take it that seriously… until after the paddle. I now appreciate and truly understand your video. Thanks so much for posting.
You are a great instructor that has wonderful communication skills, details explained for a beginner that gives confidence like me. I don’t own a kayak but have been hours watching and taking notes. I can’t decide if I want a touring or something shorter for a lazy lake. My decision is leaning towards touring but whatever I decide will certainly be taking the course. Thanks for your in-depth lessons!
You couldn't be clearer, thanks for the effort put into teaching!
Thanks!
I watched quite a few different peoples how to paddle videos before I even bought my first kayak but I learned more from you than any others, thank you for all the great tips and tricks and great videos.
I appreciate that! Thanks!
10:07 - MAAAAAN that Dagger has killer secondary stability!
Great video and thanks!
Thanks!
These strokes remind me of T'ai Chi. I just started kayaking and realize I'm doing some of these things rather naturally. I'm pretty much hooked! I need to get my own rig and a way to transport it. Thank you for these vids!
Cool comparison! Never thought of that. If getting a kayak around is an issue, you might consider a portable kayak, like the Oru Kayak or an inflatable kayak like Sea Eagle or Advanced Elements.
Loved your presentation style it's very accessible. I was taught by the late Derek Hutchinson, the author of Sea Canoeing, and he was equally good at explaining technique 👍
I appreciate that very much! Derek was an amazing and passionate teacher, and so I take that as quite a complement! Cheers.
Probably only feather if it is windy so you have less wind on the top hand of the stroke... Not for comfort but more for energy saving.
Using the straight arm pull with new paddles also helps test the play in a two piece or the flex /stiffness of the blades.
Going on my first kayak trip with an inflatable kayak in 2 days and this will really help me to know what to do.
Draw stroke: the Schlingmann draw is well demonstrated. The upper hand is open. It should always be open, even for the two first draw stroke he shows, as it will help not to capsize if the paddle goes under the boat.
Forward paddling: the blade should go away from the kayak more (not keep alongside the kayak), which allows less work for the arms and more for the torso. Also, the teacher should never use the words push and pull for forward paddling. The rotation of the torso is all what is needed. The blade should not pass the heap really. Shorter strokes is better, and if you want to paddler quicker, just increase the frequency, not the length of the stroke.
Just a beginner . Amazing teacher, so easy to understand and a joy to follow. Thankyou
I'm always learning something useful and enjoyable from your videos. Thanks for all you do. Achim
Excellent demonstration. I’ve paddle canoes for 50 years, but I’m new to kayaks. Pretty similar theory, but some nuisances that are a little different.
You make it look so easy it becomes enticing.
Thnx for the in depth analysis of the strokes, Coach! I have become a lot faster but more relaxed at the same time!
Happy to help!
I’m getting ready to try so watching you helps .
Happy paddling!
This is the first video I have seen about paddling that has talked about the draw stroke. I have already had several times where that would come in handy. Thanks for the info.
I am in rehabilitation from c7 rupture n the nerve damage. Kayaking is my goal n this , my friend is the best, clearest, so well thought thru n engaging tutorial. Now back to my resistance bands in preparation.
Very very good instructions. Thank you very much for making this video.
This is the best video on beginners kayaking I have watched! I watched numerous other videos but couldn't quite grasp the techniques completely. You explained the strokes so well, both verbally and visually, I finally understand! Thanks a bunch!
PaddleTV I can't thank you enough!!! Went kayaking for the first time today with a work group. Got stuck a couple times, but did not flip!! Your videos are awesome!!
Awesome to hear Holly! Congrats! And thanks for the kind words!
I'm a brand new kayaker, only been on the water once 4 days ago, and that was the first time I've been on water in a couple decades. My motivation was better fishing spots and finding great campsites, I wasn't sure on if I wanted the extra expense of a roof rack for my car so I went with the Intex excursion pro k2 inflatable kayak which also has very good stability and that was important for me since I swim like a rock a PFD was without question a must have.
My kayak is 12'7"/ 3'1"/1'6" , I practiced the strokes in this video and I can tell you if you are on the fence about kayaking don't be, instantly I was slicing through the water. I focused on technique from the start and it was very enjoyable, I even combined a forward sweep stroke with the reverse, the strokes I didn't practice much was the different draw strokes those I'll focus on more next time out . Right away though I knew the stock paddles weren't good enough, they felt to short for my height, they felt to short for the width of my kayak, the blades have a lot of flex in them and I didn't like the feel of the 5 pieces that made up my paddle so I bought the Pelican brand Angler paddle. It measures in at 250 cm has a bit longer and wider blade, two piece anti slip shaft with a oval indexing grip on the right, adjustable feathering and the difference in feel is amazing even though it's not a high end paddle. If I can conquer my fear of water and get in a kayak you can also, just be safe, take it at a pace comfortable to you and you alone and enjoy. Great video it helped me a ton, thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing your techniques. As a beginning kayaker they are very helpful. 🤗
I am new to kayaking and I really enjoyed your video on paddling techniques. I have been practicing them and want to ensure that I am paddling correctly with good habits and technique. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I watched this video after 15 years of paddling. I thought i must be doing something fundamentally wrong because the pain in my arms was interfering with my everyday life. I was afraid i might have to give it up.
It never occurred to me the twist of my paddle was the problem.
Thank you for the tip. I had to re-learn paddling without the twist but the pain is nearly gone now.
I can't thank you enough.
That's wonderful to hear! Very happy for you Bob!
Excellent Video on the Forward Stroke, Forward and Reverse Sweep, and Drawing and Sculling Draw Strokes. Great explanation of torso rotation.
Cheers!
Great detail vid , Ken definetly expleains well, not many can
Thank you for teaching us
Very well explained and demonstrated. I've done kayaking on a lake and once on the sea before but never had much coaching or technique explained to me. I never even knew about the draw stroke, but makes total sense now. This really helps and I'll use it next time, thanks!
Cheers! Glad it was helpful.
I love your fantastic tips and instructions! Thank you!
As a beginner this is such a great help.
Excellent clear video looking at the three important strokes. I can't wait to get back out on the water and practice! 👌👏
Great to hear! Happy paddling!
@@PaddleTV I focused on my technique for these 3 strokes on a local river trip on Saturday! The video has really helped me to improve! 🙏👏
Brilliantly explained & looking forward to putting these strokes into practice...& building a stronger core at the same time.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Cheers, great help. Daughters bought me a kayak for xmas, l have a paddle board so looking forward to the new experience.
Wow great explanation and hands on video. I just purchased my first kayak, a fishing yak and learning Via you-tube b4 heading to the water. Thanks for the upload!
Glad I could be helpful!
In golf, baseball (hitting and throwing), tennis, Javelin, The key to power is torso rotation. the movement is initiated by the knees and the hips. The arms are only hanging on and stretching fully. Thanks for the explanation.
So true!
I don't kayak, but found this informative whenever I do decide to go out kayaking in the sunshine state 😂
I appreciate your lesson. I already improved my speed by trying higher angle paddle. But now I think I was missing core movement. I’m sure it was there, it’s inevitable but reaching from toe and winding the body was not complete. I progressed and learned well pushing paddle rather it only pulling, but I see there is so much to learn and polish the technique. Thank you
I love that kayak , looks and sounds do good
i always teach pushing and rotation not pulling with bottom hand the power comes from the core . pulling tires the small arm muscles and wrists . just what i have found from 15 years of teaching and taught by british canoeing
Excellent video! When you master the paddle stroke, you can paddle and enjoy just about any style and type of kayak. Totally agree about less angling of the blades.
Thanks! Glad you think it's a valuable video!
This is awesome. I'm a new paddler with a SOT (Vibe) and a sit-in (Pelican ) kayak. This is so helpful. I shared the video with a Georgia Kayak group, too. Thank you!
Great to hear it was helpful, and thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this video. Your instruction will get me started in the right direction. No pun intended! Purchased my Pungo 125 2 days ago; time for its maiden voyage!
Awesome! Enjoy the Pungo!
Thanks again, Ken. 👍🙂🚣♂️
the most informative video I have seen, found it extremely helpful
Glad to hear it!
Good simple ways to explain. I'll use those with my wife and daughter!
Hey from cairo egypt, your country 's nature is very pretty
Thank you from a beginner! Maiden voyage tonight! 😅
Best I’ve seen by far and I’ve been looking at quite a few videos! Stellar!!Thanks for sharing, helps more than you know. Cheers 🍻
That's awesome to hear! Thanks!
Great video 👍. For me it highlighted the difference in the sweep strokes between kayak and canoe. My canoe experience helps but I need to make some adjustments even if more mentally than physically.
thank you for the informative content. I've been canoeing for many years. the paddle strokes are similar but not the same. i've just got my first kayak and i'm 58.
Glad it was helpful! And congrats on the new kayak. Don't sell the canoe though! :)
The crazy part of rhis video: it's free! Thank you very much Sir!
:). You're very welcome.
Total beginner. Just got a tandem. Thank you for the first lesson!
The content is great, and helpful, but I just have to throw a shout out to the video editing and presentation. Nice work!
Cheers! I'll pass it on.
I like how your shirt matches your kayak middle
Really enjoyed this. really liked the all in he water draw ( the sexy one). I remember this now from when I was a kid on boats in Miami Bach where I grew up.: how to get the little boat up to the dock without banging it, etc. :)
what a beautiful kayak
Thank you, so easy to understand, and learnt so much, too I am impressed with the production quality.
Thanks! I appreciate it!
I use mostly what you name a "punching" stroke, that is - instead of pulling the paddle with the lower arm, I "punch" with my upper arm. That does a number of things: It keeps my arms forward and the paddle more vertical for deeper water contact. Your power thrust should stop as the power blade reaches your upright body, so no excessive torso movement. Also, if you follow through with your stroke and pull the power blade past your body, you will be lifting the water at the end of the stroke instead of powering forward, wasting energy.
New subscriber here. Thank you so much for these excellent videos. Looking forward to learning more.
Super instruction! Really clear and concise advice that will develop good skills.
Thanks!
brilliantly explained, thanks!
I did not go kayaking for many years and this was a great, simple, to the point but well detailed , videotaped and edited video. As a budding RUclips content creator, I applaud you for such a great instructional video. Thanks so much from Sugar Land (Greater Houston Area) Texas. PS. my Channel here is art2chef.
I’ve done quite a bit of kayaking but yesterday I did a 22mile river run and watched this video beforehand. The nuances of the forward stroke definitely helped with my paddling efficiency and your other video that touched on getting in and out of eddies was very helpful too. Thanks!
so glad it helped! 22 miles! That's a good mission!
Thank you. I like to use gloves, velco on, to keep from getting blisters..I am a ginger whitey white. Lake kayaking in Washington state.
Really good educational kayak video, for everyone to watch. 👍
Thanks 👍
Agree about not punching its a push forward
Thank you! Your videos keep getting better and better!
I appreciate that Michael!
Like the skulling technique as a draw stroke. Thank you : )
Cheers! I plan on doing a more detailed video about draws and sculling in the near future... stay tuned!
Perfect lesson! Thanks!
Great to hear! thanks.
Take your FREE online ACA Paddlesports safety course here: americancanoe.org/paddlesports-online-course/
thanks for putting this here!
I’m watching all your tutorials since I haven’t purchased a kayak yet. I really want to know basic techniques before getting a kayak. Your video’s have been most informative. I live on the Black Warrior River that has controlled waterways which means very calm water,actually like glass most of the time. We do have occasional tug boats and bass boats that create wakes, but the time I will be on the water early and late the water is like a sheet of glass. I’m physically fit for a 70 year old man. My question is, am I crazy to think kayaking is a good idea?
Always learn something useful at your channel. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Love this presentation! Thanks！
I love this paddle. Thank you!
You remind me (Look and sound a bit) like Scott Thompson from Kids in the Hall.
I enjoyed your tutorial as well.
great video thanks for sharing
This was a good tutorial, very helpful! 👍
Ahoy Ken! Paddle tv is going better and better! Fantastic! Awesome! Basics never enough so gain reward ➡️ 👍🏻💚
Thanks!
Great video: From the quality of the footage to the extraordinarily helpful tips. Very big class! 👍🏻
Thanks!
Great video. Very informational. Thanks
Great video. This was very helpful and clear. Thanks for sharing.
You're very welcome!
Great video. Just bought my very first kayak
Congrats on your first kayak! That's awesome!
How could anyone dislike this video
Wonderful lesson.....