There are a number of different paddling skills available for kayakers to master. Some skills are only required on higher graded rivers with very few skills required for basic Class I rivers. 1. Eskimo Roll The Eskimo Roll skill or simply Roll is an important basic skill for all paddlers. Most introductory kayaking courses will cover basic skills and include basic rolling techniques. It is an important safety aspect that paddlers of all skill levels should understand. A good roll can prevent serious injury. The roll ensures you are familiar with immersion and know how to get back upright. 2. Basic Peel out The peel out paddling skill deals with how to exit an eddy. On calmer water this is not a problem. However, on higher graded rivers eddies can be extremely powerful. Their swirling currents can cause a kayak or canoe to capsize and make escape difficult. The peel out is normally wide or tight and depends on the eddy. The eddy will continually try and push you out, but if you plan your exit line you will be able to avoid getting pushed out and off course. The peel out technique will require strength, but this will develop over time. 3. The Pry The pry is a powerful turning stroke that rarely affects the speed of your canoe or kayak. It lets you turn the boat quickly and continue paddling in another direction with bringing you to a stop. It is a back stroke, but if you master it you will be able to avoid potential hazards much easier. 4. The Forward Stroke This skill may seem straightforward. However, it is more complex than the name suggests as it involves different elements to ensure efficient forward momentum is achieved. The object of this skill is to move the boat forward and not the paddle. This increases speed and efficiency for kayakers and reduces the energy required to travel from point A to point B. You should push from the top of your shoulder and control the paddle with your upper hand. The power in the forward stroke comes from your torso rather than your arms. The arms are used for control, not power. 5. Low Brace The low brace stroke is an invaluable stroke for most canoeists or kayakers. You can use it to move around in a hole or to maintain stability in a rapid. A hole forms when a submerged object causes the water flowing over the top of it to flow back upstream. This can create a major hazard and is dangerous for inexperienced kayakers or canoeists. Overall, there are many different strokes you can master that you can use in either a canoe or kayak. The best way to improve your whitewater paddling skills is to practice them on a regular basis. It is better to practice in a controlled environment and to have the confidence in using various strokes before you go on a kayaking trip. With a broader range of paddling skills, you will be able to go kayaking on higher graded rivers and experience more thrills. However, safety is something you should always bear in mind before trying out new skills or techniques. The more confident you are and the broader the range of strokes you have at your disposal, the better it is in terms of safety. Category:Home › Other • Pomegranates: A newly discovered superfood • Where did the joke why did the chicken cross the road come from and why is it funny? • Can mothers diagnosed with bipolar disorder make good parents? • Spiritual evolution of human consciousness • Tips for getting a college basketball scholarship • Living with Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) • Caring for the caregiver • Technologys impact on society