Paddle With The Pro's

Paddle with the Pro's

Ready to take things to the next level? Spend some time with the pros. We’ve got plenty of tips, tricks and techniques to share. Reading how to do skills fine, but the best way to improve your paddling is to get out on the water and get wet. Try new things and practice, practice. practice. Check out our Instructional Programs and sign up today, we’ll get you paddling like the pro’s!

Forward Stroke	Click to view Images
Click on the image to see a series of Images using the Forward Stroke instructed by Rod from Riomar Kayaks

Reverse Stroke	Click to view Images
Click on the image to see a series of Images using the Reverse Stroke instructed by Rod from Riomar Kayaks

Quick Stop	Click to view Images
Click on the image to see a series of Images using the Click on the image to see a series of Images using the Forward Stroke iClick on the image to see a series of Images using the Quick Stop instructed by Rod from Riomar Kayaks

J Lean	Click to view Images
Click on the image to see a series of Images using the Click on the image to see a series of Images using the Forward Stroke iClick on the image to see a series of Images using the J Lean instructed by Rod from Riomar Kayaks

Getting Into the Kayak	Click to view Images
With the right plan of action, getting into a kayak is easy. and yet, for beginner paddlers, this is precisely the maneuver that is most likely to result in an unplanned dunking.

Getting Out of a Kayak	Click to view Images
Getting out of a kayak is easy. as long as you have a safe place to exit and it is shallow

Getting Into Kayak with Paddle	Click to view Images
Getting into the a Kayak with your paddle is very easy as long a you have a safe area for entry.

Eskimo Roll	Click to view Images
Click on the image to see a series of Images show an Eslimo Roll instructed by Rod from Riomar Kayaks

Eskimo Roll Side View	Click to view Images
Click on the image to see a series of Images showing a side view of the Eskimo Roll instructed by Rod from Riomar Kayaks

Solo Kayak Carry	Click to view Images
Before you can go kayaking, you have to get your boat to the water and sadly this usually means carrying it. "Many hands make light work" so it's always a great idea to get your paddling partners to help haul your boat, but if your kayak is light enough, or if you're strong enough, you may sometimes want to try a solo carry.

Scramble Self Rescue	Click to view Images
The 'scramble' is exactly what it sounds like: a rescue technique that has a swimmer climb back on top of their boat, and then slide back into the cockpit, all without the aid of another paddlers help, or the use of any dedicated rescue gear.

Low Brace Lean Turn	Click to view Images
The low brace lean turn is the most basic and fundamental of moving turns. And it's a skill that will come in handy in all types of water conditions.

High Brace Lean Turn	Click to view Images
As its name implies the high brace lean turn combines a high brace with boat tilt to create a powerful turning stroke. The high brace component is used for support on the inside of the turn, while the kayak is tilted in the same direction - the same way that you would angle a motorcycle into a corner.

Sculling Draw Stroke	Click to view Images
The draw is a powerful stroke used to move a kayak sideways. Not only is the ability to move a kayak laterally helpful for pulling up beside a dock or another boat, it's also a key maneuver in almost every assisted rescue technique.

Sculling Low Brace	Click to view Images
While other strokes involve a catch and release point, sculling lets you get steady support from your paddle.

Forward Sweep	Click to view Images
Sweep strokes assist in moving your kayak laterally when not using a rudder. They can be combined with forward or reverse strokes to keep your kayak tracking in the right direction.

Reverse Sweep	Click to view Images
Opposite of the forward sweep. Usually used in combination with the forward sweep to move your kayak laterally on the spot or in very confined waters.