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Sea Kayaking:
Draw Stroke
Colby Blewett
The draw stroke will be a challenge to the beginning paddler, but will provide increased maneuverability and control on the water. There are many different variations of the draw stroke, but basically it will be performed by placing your paddle vertically on one side of your kayak. You will either use the water’s currents, or feather the blade of your paddle to draw (pull) your boat in that direction. This sounds easy enough, but it will take some practice with blade angles to efficiently use the draw stroke. To practice this stroke, get some momentum built up in flatwater. Once you have a little speed going, place your draw stroke on the side of your kayak you wish to draw towards. You will need to have proper blade angle to use the water to pull you to the side. If you are using your non-control hand, this stroke will force you to cock your wrist back to get this angle. Keep your opposite arm straight and your paddle vertical. If you are doing this right, you will feel strain on your torso as your boat drifts in the direction of the draw stroke. A variation to this stroke and also a good stroke to practice is feathering your blade while executing the draw stroke. Place your paddle in the draw stroke position. Instead of keeping it there while the current does the work, slide your paddle back and forth through the water to pull your boat in that direction. You will need to rotate your wrists to get the correct blade angle. Your blade should slice through the water when you push out and then square it when you pull in it towards your boat. Remember to keep your weight centered over your kayak instead of leaning on your paddle. The draw stroke can also be performed near your bow or stern. This will turn the stroke into a turning stroke. Bow draws can be very useful for lining up your kayak with increased precision and control.
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SEA KAYAKING TIPS 
