The Basic Sprint Kayaking Technique

What do we teach to a kayak beginner? And to what do champions turn to in training when they feel something is not ok in their form? They both go back to basics. Because the basics is where everything starts and everything can break.

In today’s technical article we write about the basic kayaking technique. Why are the lessons we teach to beginners also the cornerstones on which we insist on with advanced paddlers?

This is our short checklist for Basic Kayak Technique:

  • The four stroke phases
  • Posture in the boat and alignment
  • The workspace
  • Balance 
  • Basic legwork and rotation
  • Coordination of movements in the boat
  • The feel for boat glide
  • The paddle grip in the water
  • Breathing
  • Rhythm

If you want to learn more, download today’s article and learn more!

Former NZL head coach René Cummerou Olsen working on some Basic Technique details with a member of the NZL woman K4 crew member. This K4 reached the WCH final and qualified for the Rio Olympics 1 week after this photo was taken.

Comments (3)

I loved reading this! I try to just do my own thing on my blog, but it’s nice to have people who inspire you when you’re just starting out!

I had no idea about the basics since I basically started out at 7 y.o. in a double and never took a class. I thought I knew how to paddle, but after watching this I’m now hoping to incorporate these basics into my paddling technique this summer, thank you!

Hello Ashley, happy all this could help.
Enjoy your paddling and visit our Paradise when you get a chance!

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