Muscles used in kayaking?

Question

we did about a mile, what muscles were used?

Answer 1

Obviously, you will be using your arm muscle, but as with any activity, you will be more effecient if you can rely more on larger muscles such as your back, shoulders and abdominal muscles.   The key to doing this when kayaking is to generate much of the power by rotating you body.  For example, when beginning a stroke on your right side, your body should be rotated left which will naturally put your right arm forward.    Once the paddle is in the water, rotate your body from left to right pulling back with your right arm and pushing forward with your left.   You are not rotated the other way and ready to take a stroke on the other side.    Having a boat that fits properly and foot pegs properly adjusted allows you to more easily transmit the motion of your stroke into the boat.

Answer 2

If you are a novice, chances are that you simply used your arms. Did you press your legs into the foot blocks? Did you fix your arms and use a torso twist to pull the paddle? Plant the paddle as far forward  as you can reach, then pull the kayak to it! Lift the paddle blade when it reaches your hip.

Answer 3

With an effective stroke, you'll get pretty much all of your muscles involved (even your legs and feet pushing into the foot rests!). The majority of the power will come from your abs as you rotate your torso.

Most beginning kayakers end up using their arms a lot since it's the intuititive thing to do. If your biceps are burning after doing a mile, you may want to take some lessons.