As we learned earlier, there are different ways to paddle a kayak, including low and high angling and feathered and unfeathered blades. Keep these additional tips in mind to make any paddling experience more successful and comfortable.
Maintain good posture: Good posture means sitting up straight and releasing the tension in your body. While you are paddling, avoid resting against the backrest. Keep your feet pressed firmly against the floor of the kayak, or against the footpegs.
Avoid gripping your paddle too hard: While a firm grip is essential for maintaining control of your kayak, try not to keep your hands in a constant, tightly gripped state. A firm, yet light, hold is ideal. You should also try your best to keep your wrists straight while paddling. The tension created in bending your wrists or gripping your paddle too firmly will lead to choppier, less fluid movements in the water and will leave you with sore hands at the end of the day.
Let your torso do the work: While you are sitting up straight, allow your torso to do a lot of the paddling work. As you make your paddle strokes, turn your torso, rather than using only your arms or shoulders.