How to make your kayak go

The forward touring stroke

The forward touring stroke is almost the same as the forward power stroke, but replaces the emphasis on power over a short period, with emphasis on efficiency and sustainability.

• The primary change in the stroke is the more relaxed lower position of the hand and arm as the paddle is removed from the water. The torso rotation, the source of power during the power stroke, is still critical in the touring stroke.
• The blade of the paddle is not placed as tightly against the side of the kayak as in the power stroke. As the kayak is drawn past the blade, the blade is allowed to move naturally away from the side of the kayak instead of being drawn back close to the side of the kayak.
• Concurrently, the hand that just retrieved the opposite blade from the water does not have to rise as high. This requires less effort from the shoulder muscles on off-stroke side, and during the course of a long days paddle, will result in less fatigue.
• And you thought it was simple. Now that you know all the parts of the forward strokes, you just repeat, repeat, repeat...

Note:

• The stroke has three named parts... the catch, where the blade is brought forward and placed into the water, the draw where the kayak is pulled up to the blade, and the retrieve, where the blade is removed from the water.
• During the draw, the blade of the paddle moves 3 to 4 inches through the water while the kayak moves 2 feet or more.
• The stroke rate of a typical paddler will be about 60 strokes per minute. Racers often use cadences of 100 strokes per minute and higher.
• You can practice your torso rotation by paddling with your arms completely straight. This emphasizes the role of the torso rotation

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