The Sea Kayaker’s Self Defence

No, this is not going to be a martial arts class… more like a lesson in self defense when wind and weather play more than you planned for.
Your forward stroke is your Number 1 safety stroke and if you do it badly, it can hurt through injury over time or because you cannot move fast enough to punch through wind or current. Honestly, it sometimes is a challenge to teach the importance of developing a powerful and efficient forward stroke. “Well, I am not here to go fast.” Is a response we often hear when we mention that we teach forward stroke in detail. I enjoy comfortably exploring the shorelines and their sea life by sea kayak. I often have no interest in going fast.
It wasn’t till we paddled on a one-day trip when weather changed unexpectedly, that I wished I had been able to go faster. I will share my experience which lead to me seeking further training to become a better paddler and eventually a Paddle Canada certified Sea Kayaking Instructor.
If you have been caught out kayaking before with wind picking up unexpectedly, or strong currents you did not familiarise yourself with, you may relate to this.
On the way home, we soon realised that winds had turned enough to make a smooth ride a rocky one with headwind and confused seas. What started out as a “walk along the shore” soon became an increasingly uncomfortable place and the immediate future suggested another hour of this ordeal. Conditions slowed us down, doubling the time it normally would take. In the beginning it felt like an adventurous and exciting time in the elements. Then, wrists started hurting, my right lower arm became sorer with every stroke. Yes, I was focussing on pushing, not pulling, the instructions I knew of, but it still was merely a hard wrist and arm workout. I just was not moving as fast as I should have for the energy that I expended. In retrospect I realise that things could have turned out much worse. In those days we did not carry a VHF radio and we were dressed for “on the water” not “in the water”. A prolonged battle in bad weather accompanied by injury can lead to capsize with potential cold water shock, cold water incapacitation, hypothermia and even death if unable to re-enter and no one there to help. We got off lightly when we made it home, exhausted and sore.
Later in this early year of sea kayaking, I developed symptoms that I would classify as a tennis elbow. I stuck to very short paddle trips because I knew paddling was hurting me and even felt pain when trying to open a cupboard in the kitchen. The kayaking season ended with reduced ability to go out on the water and enjoy the activity which I so loved.
I realise that the forward stroke, which sea kayakers spend 99% of their time on the water doing, is a critical and difficult stroke to perfect. When focussing on the forward stroke form, I found it rewarding to be able to move the kayak along further with equal energy input, but better technique.
Last year during my solo sea kayaking adventure around Saturna Island, I really started to appreciate how much stronger of a paddler I had become… not by sheer force, but by technique. Instead of using the small muscles of the arms I moved the paddle through the water using the large muscles that get activated in torso rotation and even include the leg muscles. This means that more muscle mass is used and less stress is placed on small muscles, reducing strain and risk of repetitive strain injuries. I was able to push through some currents at Boiling Reef, move into challenging winds and in some more waves than I would have felt comfortable with prior to working on my forward stroke. My wrists and arms are happy they have less of a load to handle. Regarding speed I know now: every little helps. And there is still more fine-tuning to do. The forward stroke is one that continuously can and should be developed.
Winds and waves can change, no matter how carefully you plan your trip. Head winds, currents, whirlpools and following seas can be trouble you did not anticipate. Unless there is a way to avoid the bad conditions by waiting them out in a safer place, having a powerful forward stroke is your best defense to get you out of such trouble. It also may mean for example that you reach your destination before darkness, that you can help a paddling peer who needs a tow or that you can get to a capsized kayaker faster.
Here are some tips that I find useful for developing a strong forward stroke: 1. Set up your “paddler’s box”. This is a strong position that allows force transference into the core, shoulders, and legs by encouraging torso rotation. Imagine an invisible large ball between you and your paddle shaft with your hands in a medium wide push up position, start with holding your hands out in front of you, wrists do not bend. 2. Rotate your torso (to involve the whole body by engaging your core, hips and legs in each stroke) then 3. Plant the blade near toe distance, unwind your torso and let the paddle exit the water roughly where your hips are. Continue the rotation, plant the opposite blade near toe distance for the next stroke and so on. Avoid loading the blade with water that you then lift up as you complete a stroke (unnecessary strain). Another common mistake is to pull your arm to far.
Don’t be tempted to lean back onto the back rest. Consider it useful for breaks and resting. Your posture should be upright with a slight forward tilt and straight back. Surprisingly, we have come across multiple “experienced” kayakers that held their paddle upside down. While it is possible to move forward like this, it is by no means efficient.
Long-distance paddlers mostly utilise slower and lower forward stroke technique (low angle touring stroke) with temporary use of steeper and faster strokes in certain demanding conditions. Ensure that your hand grip on the paddle shaft is firm enough to have steady control and loose enough to remain relaxed. You can even open the hand that is in forward motion (wind permitting). This is a reminder to avoid tensing up and straining your arms.
Know your speed: keep track of the distance you cover and the time it takes. Do this several times to get an average. 3 knots (nautical miles per hour) is often used as a typical paddler’s speed. In our experience, this is a casual speed for an intermediate paddler. If you like to stop for pictures, lunch etc., add time. Also beware that getting home can be a different “paddle game” altogether, depending on wind, currents, sea state, visibility, your state and the rest of the group.
We know that launching from Lyall Harbour beach, going around King and Queen Islands (named King on the nautical chart) and back, makes up around 3 nautical miles. Do this in one hour and your speed is 3 knots.
Here are some videos that you may also find useful.
KayakingSkills’ courses teach efficient use of your body mechanics for a powerful and effective forward stroke, your best self defense when seas turn rough unexpectedly and you need to get out of trouble fast. The forward stroke is taught in all our courses and progressively fine-tuned in our intermediate courses.
We cover essential knowledge on being safe on the water during your day and multi-day trips.
Find out more about our forward stroke clinics and kayaking safety courses here or by contacting us.