How to do a sweep stroke in your kayak
- turn quickly and easily
How to do a kayak sweep stroke.
The kayak sweep stroke is a fundamental paddle stroke that is used to turn the kayak on flat or moving water. It relies on the paddle turning in an arc to produce leverage that then turns the kayak.
It can be applied in a forward or reverse action or a combination of both to provide a super fast way of turning the kayak.
Using leverage rather than your strength ensures that the stroke can be completed with minimum effort.
On moving water, the full or partial stroke can be used to change the direction of the kayak.
Let's take a look at the key steps involved in the kayak sweep stroke.
Step 1: Initial paddle position for the kayak sweep stroke
Step 1: Initial paddle position for the kayak sweep strokeThe paddle blade should start close to the front of the kayak. The fingers of the right hand should be loose to allow the blade to be as far forward as possible.
Your torso may rotate to increase the reach of the paddle.
Step 2: Starting the sweep for the kayak sweep stroke
Step 2: Starting the sweep for the kayak sweep strokeThe blade should drop into the water and begin to move in an arc away from the front of the kayak.
As it moves you should build up the power applied to the blade.
Step 3: Following the arc for the kayak sweep stroke
Step 3: Following the arc for the kayak sweep strokeWhen the paddle is 90 degrees to the kayak, you should be applying the maximum force to the blade and the blade should be approximately 18 inches from the kayak.
This is the point at which leverage is maximum. So combined with the maximum force, it gives the most movement to the kayak.
The body is upright and the kayak is flat on the water. There is no leaning.
The kayak should be turning now.
Step 4: Completing the ark for the kayak sweep stroke
Step 4: Completing the ark for the kayak sweep strokeAs the blade continues around the ark, your torso will turn to follow it.
Ensure that your blade completes the arc and finishes in the water next to the rear of the kayak.
Step 5: Resetting the paddle for the kayak sweep stroke
The kayak will be turning now so you should remove the blade from the water and return it to the initial paddle position.
Watch how the kayak is turning and drop the blade in once you are ready to begin another turn. Dropping the blade in too early will slow the turn down as it will cause drag in the water.
Step 6: Practice practice practice the kayak sweep stroke
The way to really nail this stroke is to practice.
Being such a basic stroke it means you can practice all the time on flat water.
Practice forward and in reverse and when you are confident combine these strokes and alternate them to speedily turn the kayak.
The sweep stroke can also be used on moving water. It is a very useful stroke to set up for a break in or break out as well as for tight manoeuvres close to the bank or near obstacles such as rocks.
Have fun and stay safe.
Here's the video showing the kayak sweep stroke in action:
PS. Paddlesports can be dangerous.
Read our safety disclaimer - here
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