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4 Steps to a Perfect Forward Stroke

Adventure Otaku

3,389 views

Wait....maybe five!

Here are the last two forward stroke videos I did.
Mastering the Kayak Forward Stroke
Forward Stroke, Push, Pull or Neutral

but wait there is more.
The Forward Stroke Mistake Everyone Makes.
Forward Stroke Leg Drive
Kayak Instructor Life - Teaching the Forwa...
Fixing your Forward Stroke

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I offer free stroke consultation! Send me a video of you paddling with the camera in front of you, and I’ll send it back with notes! Brett@adventureotaku.com

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Loading a kayak on a van

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My Most Popular Videos:
Choosing a kayak - Length Matters - Understanding Kayak Stability
Choosing a kayak - Understanding rocker - Choosing a Kayak Understanding Rocker
REI Ends Experiences - REI Ends Experiences - What are the impacts?
Getting in and out of your kayak - Getting in and Out of your kayak
Tips for new (older) paddlers - Tips For New (Older) Paddlers
3 things no one teaches about kayaking - Three Things No One Teaches about Kayaking
KOA Campgrounds - Now I understand KOA campgrounds!

Kayaking Skills Videos
Packing your kayak - Packing for Kayak Camping and Expeditions
Edging your kayak - Edging your Kayak - For Better Control
Turning a long Kayak - Turning A Long Kayak*

Mastering the Forward Stroke - Mastering the Kayak Forward Stroke
Teaching the Forward Stroke - Kayak Instructor Life - Teaching the Forwa...

Tips for the outdoors:
Ten tips for Sea kayakers - 10 Tips for Sea Kayakers
Ten more! - 10 MORE kayaking tips!
The Ten Essentials - The Ten Essentials For Kayaking and Beyond

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20 Comments

@mtslyh 5 months ago

I kayaked for 10 years, pulling the paddle. I finally learned about pushing the paddle last season and it took me at least 10 times out for it to start feeling comfortable. I've been out 6 times this year so far and it has stayed with me. But I know I still need a lot of work, especially when it comes to using my core. Thanks for posting this and reminding me that I should always be practicing my technique.

As a side note, I'm still just a recreational paddler but things really changed for me when I spent the money on a more nimble boat rather than the giant barge I used to paddle. I'm now looking to level up my game so I appreciate all of the info you have to share. Thanks!

@jamesallen7487 5 months ago (edited)

I had hip replacement surgery and turned 60 so I bought a budget kayak. I’ve never been accused of being smart. Lol. I’m 6’5” 260lbs. So I got one that is rated for a big guy. I’m healed enough to give kayaking a try and thankfully stumbled across your channel. This is great video and about to start binging your other videos. Thank you sir. Keep up the great and informative videos.

@CanadiansinKayaks 5 months ago

I watched your last video on paddle technique and have been working on it ever since. It feels backwards at first, but you can feel the difference it makes. I just finished a three day trip, using the technique that you described, I was able to keep paddling, when my buddies were totally done. Thank you

@bjmorris812 4 months ago

So many instructors and instructional videos fixate on torso rotation, but as you mention its a building step. Many new paddlers would be better off getting used to the push and building up from there instead of trying to do everything at once. I think this is a worthwhile addtion to the myriad of forward stroke videos out there.

@EdwardBB-v3y 3 weeks ago

Brett - Thank you!! This video was SO helpful!! Spent two days, 12 miles, air hand (OPEN)/water hand (closed) and was generally able to continue this over the rest of my 2 week paddling trip building up miles. So much easier to push/paddle correctly. And I ended up with a LOT more power, giving me about a minute a mile. While I know you do not like doing these videos, as a new subscriber, making my way back through your videos, it would have taken me a while to find this next year (I am back to February). Maybe you could do an annual paddle training video with training/technique snippets and links to your prior videos. Thanks again!!

@bloscon 5 months ago

hi Brett, it"s always usefull to repeat and repeat the main things in every sport, I'm a french kayaker and it's really funny to listen the video in french with the IA 😂 anyway it"s another good one .. i'm also going to paddle tomorrow, cheers 😀

@Simon_W74 5 months ago

When I was Paddling with less experienced Paddlers last year I would try and promote pushing the paddle through the air rather than pulling. For the First time I heard on of our Coaches even say to push rather than pull the paddle. It does make a difference. I think the only time I stop pushing and notice I am pulling is when I want to get off with a burst of speed, then soon revert to pushing. When I get back on the water I will more than likely be with the Induction group as it will be quite a gentle pace for my and they don't go too far, so I can return if I need to the club house, and I can hopefully influence our new paddlers to push rather than pull.
Great Video as always Brett.

@LeeCastillo-i8k 4 months ago

Also riding a horse. turn right pressure left.

@vardaeml 1 month ago

I’ve made a practice paddle from an old shower rod, with placement marked in painters tape so I can work through the motions nice and slow and dry.

@paddle_nerd 4 months ago (edited)

Thanks for the great breakdown. I really like the air hand / water hand. I'm going to take that for when I'm teaching. I find the hardest part for people to get is the torso rotation. With the air hand push and keeping the air hand horizontal, you have no choice except rotate. It also makes it harder to lift water at the back. I'm like you and notice that horizontal air hand breaking down for me when tired or distracted.

@cricketcorneroutdoors 5 months ago

I’ve often noticed your hands are open and relaxed when you paddle. Very helpful to understand why, and what it is that you’re doing. Thanks!

@owenphillips9166 5 months ago

Well done Brett, this is a great improvement on your previous forward stroke tutorials. Here's something for you to try at home: Sit in a swivelling desk chair. Apply pressure with one of your feet to the ground and notice which way the seat of your chair wants to swivel. This is why you should push your feet on the same / water paddle side. Yes, it might feel weird if your body and brain are used to doing it the opposite way, but like you say: Step 5, practice, practice, practice!

@notsabbat 3 months ago

I'm going to play this in my (cheap) earbuds next time I go paddling.

@hikingoutdoorfamily 5 months ago

Very helpful. Going to go back and watch the other videos. I saw that Alaska clip you in your intro too - so cool!

@SaulShiffman 5 months ago

I need to get out more. Tiring of consciously focusing on my form instead of just doing it and being able to enjoy the surroundings. Weather just getting warm enough to get out, and we have occasional days without rain here in Pittsburgh (sheesh!). Always good to be reminded... Thanks

@bryanb8366 5 months ago

Another great video! You got a good following here in Ohio. There's a couple of us that would really like to see you come today. Rendezvous on South Bass Island. One of these summers.

@Kayaking_to_escape_family 5 months ago

I see you have reach 10k subs !! You should buy a thiner pfd to celebrate !! Maybe a KHIMERA DUAL FLOTATION PFD or Vaikobi V4 Race Buoyancy Aid?

@OdinGSD2023 5 months ago

OK, the lightbulb just went on. I was trying to figure out why on the backstroke. It would feel like almost like the paddle is making me turned to the rear and it made me very unstable. Thank you for putting this out.

@samkayak8712 4 months ago

How is your torso rotation?
How important is it?

@yegorov 3 months ago

Hi, Brett! Isn't the whole point of pushing with your legs a hip rotation? When you push with your left leg, your left hip moves backward causing your pelvis to rotate counterclockwise. If your torso is well connected with your pelvis, that rotation will drive your torso counterclockwise, causing your right arm to move forward and push the paddle shaft.