How Does Kayaking Affect The Environment? Unveiling Surprising Consequences

Properly holding a kayak paddle is essential for efficient and effective paddling. Here’s how to do it:

1. Hand Placement: Stand next to your kayak with the paddle parallel to the ground. Place one hand on the shaft of the paddle, roughly shoulder-width apart. This hand is referred to as the “control hand” or “top hand.”

1. Blade Orientation: Ensure that the concave (or scooped) side of the paddle blade is facing you. This orientation helps maximize the power of your strokes.
2. Grip: With your control hand, wrap your fingers around the shaft, making a loose grip. Your thumb should be pointing upwards, along the shaft. Avoid gripping the paddle too tightly, as this can lead to fatigue and discomfort.
3. Second Hand Placement: Place your other hand on the shaft of the paddle, below the first hand, with your palm facing downwards. This hand provides additional support and power during the stroke. The distance between your hands can vary based on your preference and the type of stroke you’re executing.
4. Feathering (Optional): Some paddles have adjustable blades that allow you to feather them, meaning the blades are not aligned. If your paddle has this feature, you can adjust the angle of the blades to minimize wind resistance on the recovery phase of your stroke. Feathering is a personal preference, so experiment to find what works best for you.