The Forward Stroke (AKA How to paddle straight)

The Forward Stroke (AKA How to paddle straight) - Whitewater Kayaking

Рет қаралды 37,829

with Boyd Ruppelt (formerly Send School)

3 жыл бұрын

The need for this video will be a no brainer to newer kayakers, learning to stop spinning around as they paddle flat water for the first time in their whitewater kayaks. This isn't just for new kayakers though. The Forward Stroke is likely the most underestimated and under-practiced skill in all of kayaking. It's deceivingly challenging to learn for beginners, and actually quite difficult for even the best kayakers to fully master. The best kayakers in the world continually work on their forward strokes, fine tuning the details. No matter where you are in kayaking, you can likely afford to spend a moment to work on your forward stroke. Here's a breakdown on how to get it mastered. It may surprise you that mine is far from perfect too, but this video will get you moving in the right direction.

Пікірлер: 83

@Quick-Silver206 15 күн бұрын

This started as an experiment for me but now I'm legit studying it. Thank you for the video!

@SouthernYak 3 жыл бұрын

As an instructor I have to say, this is a great video! Love your discussion on core rotation. Clear communication and excellent presentation. This is really well done!!

@StevenHerron1972 15 күн бұрын

Hey thanks for making these videos. Have been paddling rec boats for a few years and I'm moving into whitewater boats. Trying to make sure I have the right strokes to be successful

@AllHandsMechanic 28 күн бұрын

You have mastered the way of teaching.... excellent video.

@alowatsakima8950 8 ай бұрын

I like seeing your arms straight with body rotation. This provides maximum power on each stroke, especially good for those weekend paddlers and women. some of your videos show a little to much elbow arching. When you paddle with your arms, you are pulling the kayak forward with your ass. When you "push" with your foot, you are pushing the kayak forward with your feet. This also helps with steering the kayak. Good video.

@joemamma5350 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your use of the “fulcrum & lever” analogy; this is what clicked for my son. Not sure why but the more I can show him that paddling is science & engineering (STEM) the more interest he shows. Thank you again.

@CleanLineKayaking Жыл бұрын

that's awesome that it clicked! He'll love the Golden Rules then because one of them is Arcs and Vectors... kayaking is all about physics and hydrodynamics

@juani_norte 2 ай бұрын

⁠@@CleanLineKayakingHi, thanks for your time to show and teach this maneuver. Where can i read or find the golden rules that you mention on the comments ? Or what's it means with the golden rules?

@CleanLineKayaking 2 ай бұрын

@@juani_norte kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y5-erZl7sMndkoE.htmlsi=Q-BGc55GdNOMTSwM 🤙

@ChristelVinot Жыл бұрын

I've always found it kind of nutty that the normal kayaking position is on your butt with legs out front or pushed to the sides in a frog legs position. It's all so unnatural and hurts my hips, legs, and back. I'm starting whitewater in a c1 conversion boat.. it relieves all these problems, and man do I have way more power! I'm not sure how those AREN'T the norm! Maybe I have a weird body but it's just a woman body is all. I guess women aren't the norm so they boats are made more for men lol. Good ol' widening of hips, turning our femurs inward and making us knock kneed and unable to do frog legs. thanks for the vid! I was trying to find one-bladed whitewatering but the more stuff I watch the better.

@naomibrown7785 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this help. I am continually practicing my forward stroke; your tutorial really helped, as did the physics of kayaking,. Thank you.

@nishamelton6918 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for the lesson‼️‼️ I will try this. Been having a hard time keeping straight.

@milllworks 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent communication skills. Wonderful use of language. Spot on intercutting of illustrative “on the water” video clips to better relate the viewer to the point you are making at the moment. Like the way you give “feels” and “if you’re experiencing this” type of building blocks so viewer can potentially self-coach while boating. Really like your delivery. Really like your positive approach. Happy I stumbled onto this. ps… Geezer boater here…been paddling a whitewater kayak since the fiberglass days in Idaho of the 70’s. cheers.

@CleanLineKayaking 3 жыл бұрын

love the feedback! Thanks for watching!

@pauldanielewicz1054 3 жыл бұрын

One of the best videos I’ve seen on the forward stroke. Thanks Boyd.

@SandraTeine 3 жыл бұрын

Perfect learning videos on your channel, keep doing them, thanks a lot! ☺️

@canuck-guy2384 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video on how to forward stroke! I'm a senior paddler who "used to do" whitewater. I miss doing whitewater, but I've accepted the aging process and my back thanks me for it. Also all my fellow kayakers stopped doing WW. Now I tour kayak. Purposeful strokes save energy especially if you are a senior. Spoiler alert...I'm the guy who likes to lean back and glide! Happy Paddling! ;-)

@TerrenceIII Жыл бұрын

You're such a good teacher so patient and chilled out . Thanks man!!!

@radiantrosie 2 жыл бұрын

This is a hugely helpful video! Thank you!! 🌹

@TonyTurboRST 2 жыл бұрын

This is probably the best videos I’ve seen on the subject. Really helped me out, thank you

@thekayakjack Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video! I'm going to share it with family members who are just getting started in the sport of kayaking! Thank you!

@dianalobry1106 3 жыл бұрын

Really excellent video! I am not a beginner but your explanation was so clear and concise, it had me wondering if you were reading from cue cards. Quite a few years ago, I took a free paddle stroke clinic with EJ and he went into depth about the forward stroke and your tuition was basically the same. Paddlers think the forward stroke is easy but there is more to it than just paddling forward. I'm going to check out your other videos and hope to see more content as your channel grows!

@SchaeferYaks 2 жыл бұрын

After messing up my shoulder, I'm revisiting this video... a lot. Thank dude 🤙🏽

@joshberry6185 2 жыл бұрын

So we’ll presented! Thank you!

@Sungam909 Жыл бұрын

Great tutorial, thank you very much 😁 im going out to practise my stroke right now!

@michellef.554 2 жыл бұрын

Love this video! 4/25/22 Totally NEW to Kayaking! #beginer #lovingit! Thanks for the lesson! 🛶

@jayprinzing1296 2 жыл бұрын

I've seen lots of videos on rolling. I am taking a class learning to roll,although I would thoroughly enjoy a video from you on how to master the roll.

@chrisstyles4822 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video. I was the one who had a FB post on the Whitewater 101 page, and you linked to you video. Good timing. Thanks for the info.

@lizthompson7952 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome Boyd! New follower-good stuff dude!!

@danaharris5357 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome video,man. thank you.

@ishahcanah7351 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for this great video!!

@terencesingerline135 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the clear and confident instruction..Really enjoy learning from you and these videos

@CleanLineKayaking Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@philsalvador1373 Жыл бұрын

Very useful video, I just gave a lesson on forward stroke to two students, one just starting out. There are some great teaching ideas, and I was able to grade my own lesson by what I myself taught and things I forgot to mention (posture). I will pass this on to my students.

@heathermcmillan6450 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, current relearning my stroke I think, up graded from a seven ft kayak to a 17 ft kayak, feels like starting over! I keep veering to the left despite being right handed, must be doing a bit of a sweep on the left. This is good to break it all down to the basics and go back to the beginning. Love the white water!

@jessej2634 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome :-) Amazing videos! Keep them up.

@CleanLineKayaking 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm stoked you guys are enjoying them

@packraftingtv3464 3 жыл бұрын

I love this shot of Katherine ! I think this is something people need to be aware of : not doing a full stroke and just "slapping the water" more than really "pulling" on the water ! Great video !

@keystonedaytrip238 2 жыл бұрын

Yo great stuff man ! I’m in the thick of transitioning from recreational hull to white-water :) This presentation is very helpful ! Edit : bought a Z3 a month ago ; looking forward to getting out there

@barriedouglass6864 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video, just took a one day Discover paddle course in the UK and couldn't keep the kayak in a straight line. We were using white water kayaks and were told they wold not be easy. Great to hear confirmation that it is not easy and will take time. Gives hope to this beginner...thanks.

@MrPistolpete1234 2 жыл бұрын

Don’t be downhearted if you like kayaking Barrie. I was exactly the same as you and have done the discover course also. I’m no natural kayaker and am a slow learner but I’m 2 years in now and am building my skills on grade 3 whitewater. There is a lot to kayaking but enjoy the learning process and be prepared to take many failures along the way, and you will get where you want to be, if I can you can

@MrOTSN Жыл бұрын

Thanks for a great video. I also enjoyed your review/walkthrough of the Gnarvana and mastering fear. Hoping for more videos👍🏻😊 love to see tutorials on bombproofing your roll and other paddling strokes.

@CleanLineKayaking Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! …more on the way soon. Finally getting back to working on the edits again

@hogue1984 3 жыл бұрын

Really good information and liked the way you broke the stoke down into different components. Any suggestions on good boats for beginners or what to look for in your first kayak? Thanks

@patrickh621 2 жыл бұрын

Started in >5m seakayaks 2 yrs ago, now in 3.5m boats of the local club at the local river - I would second all of your tipps and explanations!

@MrCosmonot1 3 жыл бұрын

Punch with the shoulder instead of the hand is a great tip! Force your body to engage the core more more than the arms. Something even us experienced kayakers need to work on sometimes

@CleanLineKayaking 3 жыл бұрын

One thing to consider too, that I didn’t point out, is the benefit of bending that top arm as you plant the stroke, in order to extend it... pushing with that shoulder really engages your core in a more balanced way. If you start talking to slalom kayakers they really geek out on this stroke... there’s so much more info if you want it. Crazy.

@debbiclemens5949 Жыл бұрын

I don’t white water but your explanation on forward strokes was very interesting. I will have to sit up straighter in my 12 ft next time. I like the idea of breaking it down to practice.

@geopietro 10 ай бұрын

When I turn to the right, it feels way more natural to push with my left foot (and vice versa). Weird, huh? Thanks for the video.

@mitchfromcanada 3 жыл бұрын

Hey buddy, great video! I'm just getting into white water kayaking in Whistler, BC this summer. Can you do a video on the low brace / high brace video. Cheers, Mitchell

@paulmoon1803 2 жыл бұрын

Another awesome video Boyd ... only just found your channel off your excellent dealing with fear on the water video. If you don't mind me asking ... what do you wrap your paddle shaft with ... i have the same Werner paddle and it can feel like a bar of soap sometimes ... all the things I've tried haven't worked or just fall off ... keep up the good work

@marcusvaldes 9 ай бұрын

Bought my first whitewater kayak last week--a Jackson Kayaks Super Hero. Went to paddle it on my local reservoir and couldn't believe how tippy it was and how hard it was to paddle straight! I've only ever paddled Sea Kayaks before. I stayed very close to shore and I'm glad I did. I tipped over 10 feet from the boat ramp and I was so surprised. I have to admit feeling a bit of stress about it now. Made me realize I REALLY need to learn how to get back in the kayak. I probably need a better place to practice too.

@CleanLineKayaking 9 ай бұрын

It’s definitely different but gets better! Make sure you’re properly fit, and check out my Golden Rules of Kayaking video too. It might help. 🤙🏻

@marcusvaldes 8 ай бұрын

@@CleanLineKayaking Will do!

@whatsgoingon3822 2 ай бұрын

I did the same thing after 10 mins of spinning I was going to sell it could not work it out

@chaseprice43 Ай бұрын

What are your tips to keeping a loose grip?

@williamwiden9507 3 жыл бұрын

Bro, I’m a new subscriber off of one video. I feel like I just went to the coolest school on Earth for the forward. Cool 😎 instructor. I’m struggling with this, I just got an old perception overflow x - she’s a rocker!! And I got my grips on my core balance and all and just like you said - every 3,4-6 strokes I’m spinning around like a jackass, depending on tide flow… then I took a dip and swam it about an 1/8th mile to some tree growing out of the water- stepped up on the root growing in the water and dumped the kayak and drained it - and I’m 300+ lbs! Lol it was great fun, can’t wait to get some skirting for it and get some more practice with this motion- great video… on to see what else you’ve got 🤔 💭 👁 👁

@CleanLineKayaking 3 жыл бұрын

stoked! Thanks for watching!

@gpalmer456 3 жыл бұрын

Some info on what is means to “load the stern” and more tips for paddling big water

@lizthompson7952 3 жыл бұрын

I’d love to see your take on learning to roll

@CleanLineKayaking 3 жыл бұрын

I’m likely going to do one for instructors teaching the roll first... teaching the roll

@Aiphiae 10 ай бұрын

Where are you kayaking with those mountains in the background at 5:25? That looks incredible!

@danieljuarez7072 3 жыл бұрын

Hey this is cool and I’m learning a lot. Any chance you could do some videos on surfing and some freestyle moves?

@CleanLineKayaking 3 жыл бұрын

definitely on the way

@Moto_Medics Жыл бұрын

Thank you I thought it was my equipment being faulty I’m used to ocean kayaks and I got a crazy deal on a pair of whitewater pirouettes and have almost sold them due to it being impossible for me to figure out why I can’t go straight. I might keep them now that I’ve got an idea what’s going on.

@user-qw8xc3cy3o Жыл бұрын

Any tips on how to practice paddling in the gym. I am only on the water every other weekend. Maybe hooking an exercise band to my paddle in some way? Any thoughts?

@jacobcastle2741 2 жыл бұрын

is it possible to add bungee lacing onto whitewater boats? I would only use the bungee deck lacing for when I am doing calm river camping trips.

@jacobcastle2741 2 жыл бұрын

Also - what kind og gopro mount are you using on the back of your gopro?

@suchasreallife 3 жыл бұрын

A paddle to long would cause you spin more ?

@patsywalker9378 3 жыл бұрын

So, if you "Lock In" as described in your other video (thank you for that), how do you apply the foot press when rotating and stay locked in? If I press with my right foot as I rotate my core with the paddle stroke to the right, my left leg will not be "Locked In". Or, do you not do this action when locked in? I hope that makes sense.

@CleanLineKayaking 3 жыл бұрын

The lock in is a momentary “all in”. So continue paddling, but instead of alternating your feet you push hard with both at the same time while lifting your knees with a bit more crunch. It takes some getting used to, but once a good forward stroke becomes more natural for you, adding in the lock in becomes more easy and your edge transitions become more natural, fluid, and snappy. Once you feel comfortable with the lock in, see if you can edge a turn mid lock in and then relax into a good quality forward stroke - it’ll change the game for you completely.

@adulfdabo898 Жыл бұрын

I just want to do some flat water (calm rivers) and mild wihte water kayaking to strengthen my back and be out in nature, so I bought a crossover kayak to start with. Spent some teenage years in the late 70th kayaking and thought it might be a good idea. Is there something I really have to take care for? It's pretty cold here right now, so it will be spring until I'm ready to finally get wet, - can't wait!

@CleanLineKayaking Жыл бұрын

check out the ‘what to wear while paddling’ video when you can as it’ll make that winter/spring/fall time much more comfortable. A proper stroke will strengthen or core and back significantly, while also allowing you to extend your time out while using less energy. Hope it helps!

@adulfdabo898 Жыл бұрын

@@CleanLineKayaking Thanks a lot!

@copastm 2 жыл бұрын

Alright, I got a question. I'm constantly spinning out after a few strokes. Am I using too much arms? Or maybe not enough torso rotation?

@CleanLineKayaking 2 жыл бұрын

All whitewater kayaks will spin on you due to the spin momentum (pressure and release) designed into the hull. They're designed to build energy and to release it into turns. The moment you start paddling and build up speed, the boat is looking for a place to release the pressure into a turn. If you stop engaging your lower body, take choppy or uneven strokes, lean back, stop using enough torso rotation, relax your hip flexers or accidentally shift your weight to one side... or really anything else that gives your boat more control than you have, then that pressure will release into a turn on it's own and cause you to spin out. Focus on good technique and practice and it'll get better/easier. If you're always spinning to the same side, it may be the way you're sitting - everyone has a dominant butt cheek. Hope this helps! Thanks for watching!

@copastm 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. During normal speed I don’t spin out, but it’s only when I build up speed with forward strokes that it seems my bow wants to peel out and spin.

@kevinhill.8 3 жыл бұрын

Loving your new channel. All the videos are great. One minor suggestion for your consideration - maybe reduce background music volume just a tad. Not terrible, but a little distracting imo. I could be sensitive though. 🤓 Subscribed and notifications bell on! 🔔

@jerihozey1480 3 ай бұрын

My kayak pulls to the left

@Mrjmhill 3 жыл бұрын

“Bending elbows too much”. My stroke looked like yours does in the flat water-until “instructors” told me that my forearms need to be parallel to my boat as I pull towards my torso. Watching your video I noticed in faster water, you were bending elbows as you pulled. Creating what the others described to me. I’m confused now. I have been paddling exactly how you are videoing in the flat water for 50 years. The parallel forearms for 2 months. Help please.

@CleanLineKayaking 3 жыл бұрын

Bending the top elbow lengthens the stroke and adds a lot of reach and power when coupled with a proper twist of the torso and push with your foot and shoulder. The bottom arm you want fairly straight and your wrist as aligned as possible with the direction that you’re pulling the stroke (where blade offset comes in). It sounds like they were under the impression that you weren’t using enough torso and trying to fix that?