The document outlines the differences between kayaking paddles and canoe paddles, detailing their structure, materials, and functionality. It explains the types of kayak paddles—feathered and non-feathered—along with their respective uses, blade types, and the main strokes employed in kayaking. Additionally, it compares various materials used in paddles, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks.

1. KAYAKING PADDLES

2. WHY IS A KAYAKING PADDLE
DIFFERENT FROM A CANOE PADDLE

3. CANOE PADDLES
• Consist of a
- Shaft
- Handle
- Blade
• Made of
- Wood
- Plastic
- Fibreglass

4. KAYAK PADDLES
• Consist of a
- Shaft
- 2X Blade
• Made of
- Plastic
- Fibreglass
- Carbon fibre

5. WHAT DIFFERENCES EXIST BETWEEN
KAYAK PADDLES

6. NON FEATHERED VS FEATHERED
Feathered
Paddle
Non Feathered
Paddle
• No dominant
hand
• Blades have
no offset
• The blades are
both tilted at a
different angle
• One has one
dominant stroke
hand

7. FLAT BLADE VS SPOON BLADE
Flat blade
Spoon blade
• Predominantly flat
• Used for all strokes
• Recreational or long
paddle
• Reduces risk of injury
• More efficient stoke
• Difficult to manoeuvre
• For advanced paddlers

8. COMMON MATERIALS USED IN
KAYAK PADDLES

9. WOOD
• Heavy
• Cheap
• For beginners

10. FIBREGLASS
• Lightweight
• Expensive
• Good manoeuvring
• Delicate
• Expensive to repair

11. ALUMINIUM
• Very popular
• Lightweight
• Good control
• Durable

12. PLASTIC
• Most used
• Cheap
• Durable

13. CARBON FIBRE
• Extremely lightweight
• Very strong
• Easy to manoeuvre
and control

14. KEVLAR
• Extremely lightweight
• Extremely strong
• Very flexible and
versatile

15. WHAT ARE THE MAIN STROKES USED IN
KAYAKING

16. • Hands shoulder width apart
• Insert one side of the paddle into the water
• Rotate torso and pull the blade through the
water alongside the boat
• Keep the top hand steady
• Remove paddle from water at appropriate
point
THE FORWARD STROKE

17. • Twist torso so that shoulders parallel to the
kayak
• Put the paddle into the water at the rear
end of the kayak
• Rotate torso back so that shoulders are
perpendicular to the kayak
• Sweep paddle forwards along the side of
the boat
• Remove paddle from water at the tip of the
kayak
THE BACKWARD STROKE

18. • Twist torso in the desired turning direction
• Insert paddle as far back and away as
possible
• Bring blade back towards the kayak
• This will turn the boat to the desired direction
THE DRAW STROKE

19. • Perform the draw stroke on desired turning
side
• Perform a wide forwards stroke on opposite
side
• Let the kayak spin around
THE SPIN MANOEUVRE