Forward Stroke

This one is simple. Hold the paddle with your hands about shoulder length apart. Then reach out with one end of the paddle, grab the water and pull the kayak forward through the water. Paddle out of the water when it reaches you and reach out with the other end of the paddle. Do the same thing with this end of the paddle.

Torso Rotation
Make sure that when you are paddling, you rotate your torso. This will make you use the larger muscles in your back, rather than the relatively smaller ones in your arms. You will be able to paddle for longer without getting tired if you do this.

Sweep Stroke

This stroke will make you turn. Reach out with the paddle to the opposite side that you want to turn, making sure that you adjust for your balance. Grab the water with the blade of the paddle and pull back so that the boat turns to the opposite side of the paddle. Make sure you rotate your torso when you do this stroke as well.

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