How do you paddle a kayak? I know how to canoe fairly well is it similar?

Question

First decent answer gets it I need it by tommorow.... (Sat)

Answer 1

A kayak paddle has two blades on it. A canoe paddle only has one. So, when you are paddling a canoe you must switch sides to go straight. When you are sitting in a kayak you just keep paddling with one blade on each side. You just alternate which side goes into the water ands which side comes out. It is quite easy once you get the hang of it.

Answer 2

No, it isn't really the same as paddling a canoe. A kayak paddle is a long pole with blades at both ends, offset 90 degrees from each other (so if one blade is lying flat, the other will be standing vertically). I believe the standard way of paddling is to grasp the paddle with both hands fairly far apart (at least shoulder width), sweep one blade back through the water with the blade oriented perpendicular relative to the direction of motion, then bring it back up, then rotate the paddle using your 'control hand' (probably your right hand) so that the other blade is perpendicular to the direction of motion, sweep it back through the water, rotate the paddle BACK, repeat. It's quite simple to understand, the only difficult part is the rotation which does not come very naturally at first. Any experienced kayaker will be able to tell you how to paddle properly.

Answer 3

To paddle a kayak you want to move the paddle,s in a figure eight motion. While pulling with one paddle push on the paddle in the air it will make your stroke easier. Now if you hold the paddle by the guide,s ( some paddles have pad,s where you should grip them other,s have a different color in the same place.) Hold them at an equal distance and dip the left in the water pulling with that hand and push with the other. If you keep you elbow,s locked and turn your torso using you lat,s. You will get a more power full stroke and less shoulder fatigue. Sit in a kitchen chair(without arm,s)and in front of a mirror and practice you will get the idea soon. Also go to (canokayak.com) and you can search that site for picture,s and instruction,s Most paddle.s have two or three locking hole,s so you can adjust the paddle,s at different angle,s. This is so when you are paddling in the wind the paddle in the air will cut the wind not catch it. Thus making it easier to paddle. Check the web site you will find detailed instruction,s and illustration,s. And welcome to the wounder full world of yaking. Remember you want to use the same stroke on each side to keep your yak tracking in a straight line. That mean,s the same stroke ,the same power  , the same length a figure eight. ---OK

Answer 4

It's easier to paddle a kayak than a canoe.  You have a double-ended paddle and just paddle once on each side.  With a canoe you have to move the paddle to the other side, or else push the paddle outwards at the end of the stroke or else you'll just go around in circles.  The double-ended paddle on a kayak is easier to use!  

Other than that, the weight and shape of the kayak is about the same, so it's about the same amount of effort for about the same speed and distance.

Answer 5

If you can canoe then you can kayak. It will come naturally. The first time I kayaked, I just got in and started going. Its really easy...easier than canoeing in my opinion.

Answer 6

Its pretty close to how green_meklar explained it. you dont HAVE to have the blades at 90 degree angles if it doesnt suit you. Ive seen it used both ways. just remember thought that the farther back you bring your stroke behind you waist its going to cause the bow of your kayak to pull and you will turn a little. Paddling striaght takes a little practice but you will get the hang of it.

Have fun and good luck!!

Answer 7

If I recall correctly, a kayak uses a double bladed paddle.  You don't so much pull the blade through the water like you do in canoeing, as you push the other blade through the air (levering the other paddle through the water, if that makes sense).

Hope this helps,