How do you paddle efficiently?

Use the torso, not only the arms. Rotate the upper body and plant the paddle near the feet, pull until it is at the hip and lift out. Long, calm strokes with good rotation are more efficient and tire less than short arm strokes.

What do I do if I capsize?

Stay calm and hold the kayak and paddle – they float. Near shore it is often simplest to swim in with the kit. On open water you need self-rescue or a partner’s help; practise that in advance in warm, shallow water. Always wear a life jacket.

Do I need to be able to roll a kayak?

No, not to paddle on sheltered water. The Eskimo roll is an advanced technique. More important for most people is to be able to re-enter and to avoid situations above your level.

Paddle technique and self-rescue – the basics

Good technique makes paddling both more fun and safer – you go further with less force and have more margin if the wind picks up. You do not need to master advanced manoeuvres to go out on sheltered water, but a few basics are worth practising from the start.

The basic stroke – paddle with the torso

The most common beginner mistake is to paddle with the arms only. Rotate the upper body instead: plant the blade in the water near the feet, pull until it is level with the hip and lift out. Keep the hands about shoulder width apart and let the torso rotation do the work. Long, calm strokes are more efficient than fast, short ones.

Steer and stop

To turn you take longer, bow-shaped strokes further out from the craft – paddle only on one side to turn. To stop you take short backward strokes on both sides. In a canoe a J-stroke is often used to hold the course from the same side. Practise on quiet water until it feels natural.

If you capsize

Stay calm – the life jacket carries you, and kayak and paddle float. Near shore it is usually simplest to hold the kit and swim in. Do not let go of the kayak on open water; an empty kayak drifts faster than you can swim. Cold water is the real danger – read our guide on safety and cold water.

Self-rescue and partner help

On open water you should be able to get back up. Self-rescue in a kayak means emptying the kayak and climbing up over the rear deck; partner help is faster if you are several. In a canoe you can empty and step in from shallow water or with help from another canoe. Practise this in advance in warm, shallow water – it is completely different from reading about it.

Take a course

The fastest way to become safe is an introduction or a course. Many rentals and canoe centres offer beginner courses and technique sessions. Find them via the map or our beginner guide.