The forward sweep stroke is used when cruising in a kayak without using a rudder. When your kayak starts to turn on its own, use a forward sweep stroke to correct your course, not a rudder stroke. Using a rudder stroke to turn a kayak is like putting on the brakes. A forward sweep stroke on your right will turn the kayak to the left. Sometimes it takes several of these strokes to correct your course entirely, but the greatest benefit is the forward propulsion generated in the first half of the stroke. However, be careful, if you pull the stroke out of the water too early, it will not give you the turning capability needed for course correction. When properly used, you should be able to take strokes on both sides of the kayak, simply substituting a forward sweep stroke on the side where needed. Unless you need to make tight turns, there is no need to make sweep strokes on just one side of the kayak. Doing so will burn more energy than is necessary.

The first component of this stroke is posture. Just like in the forward stroke, good posture is very important; sit upright, not reclined. The objective is to obtain maximum flexibility in your torso. Remember, using your torso for power is much more effective than using the arms. Rotate the torso in the direction of your stroke. Other similar components are pressing on a foot pedal with each stroke, holding the paddle out in front of your chest, and holding the paddle with a wide grip.

To start the stroke, first wind up the torso to your left. This automatically brings the right blade up by your right foot. Put that blade in the water so that it is just below the surface, no deeper. This is called "catching" the water. During this stroke, the blade should never get more than a couple of inches from the surface of the water. Straighten the elbow of your right arm and keep your left hand about chest high. Unwind the torso to your right while keeping your right arm straight. You'll notice that the blade moves out and away from the boat, not down. At the same time, put some pressure on the right foot pedal. Follow the path of your right blade with your eyes and head; this helps to ensure torso rotation. Once you have rotated as far as you can, pull your right elbow in to your torso and push your left hand out over the right side of your boat. This action should bring the right blade up against the back of your boat. Then simply lift the blade out of the water. When finished, you should have your shoulders nearly parallel with the right side of your boat and the paddle horizontal with the water.

Some things to look for are keeping the blade vertical at all times and keeping the whole paddle as low and horizontal to the water as possible. This keeps the blade close to the surface of the water and keeps the leverage point of the stroke further away from the boat, which makes it more effective. Also, be sure to make full strokes. Do not pull the stroke out of the water until the blade has reached the boat behind you. This is very important for overall efficiency and stroke effectiveness.

As always, practice several components each time you go paddling. At home, sit on the floor in front of a mirror and go through the motions. In a short amount of time, you will begin to feel how the stroke works. By then, your boat control will have improved one hundred percent and paddling in windy conditions won't seem like a big deal anymore.

COPYRIGHT 2005 COASTAL OUTDOOR CENTER, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

291 Cubbedge Road
St. Augustine, FL 32080
904-471-4144