For All Types of Paddling

Step 1
The forward sweep is a very efficient way to turn a kayak, even a long, loaded sea kayak.

We’ll demonstrate this skill turning the kayak to the left, but it is easily reversed. Starting with your paddle held in front of your chest, extend the paddle out to the right side, your left hand should cross the center line of your chest. As in the forward stroke, torso rotation is important.

Step 2
Looking at the paddle blade, rotate your torso to the left, until your right paddle blade reaches near the bow of your kayak. Placing the paddle blade in the water, allow your body to unwind, while sweeping the paddle around the boat. You want the paddle out from the side of the boat, instead of having it trace a line parallel to the kayak, imagine drawing a circle in the water with the paddle blade.

Step 3
As your body rotates, it’s important to keep rotating your torso. As the paddle blade approaches the stern of the kayak, you should be looking at the paddle the whole time. When moving forward, this is an excellent way to turn a kayak, as it doesn’t cause you to loose speed. A low speeds or in tight quarters, it can be used in conjunction with the reverse sweep to turn a boat within it’s own length.

Step 4
Tip 1- Longer kayaks, particularly those without much rocker, can be very slow to turn. Leaning boats onto their edge changes the effective hull shape, introducing more rocker, and can help turn boats much more rapidly.

Step 5
Tip 2- When paddling forward, it’s easy to over use the sweep stroke. For small course adjustments, simply use a bit of a sweep mixed in with your forward stroke, extending the paddle out and rotating part way towards the stern. Also, without any further paddle strokes, the kayak will continue to turn after you’ve finished a paddle stroke. Inexperience paddlers will often then do a big sweep on the opposite side, soon they are doing “S” turns and not moving efficiently. Try doing a single good sweep, then a few forward strokes and see if you are on course. If not, try another, followed by a few more forward strokes.