If you’ve been kayaking for a minute, then you are probably well-versed in the basic kayak strokes: forward, reverse, sweep, and draw. These strokes can get you a long way, but you might be wondering how to take your kayaking to the next level. Here are two more strokes that can enhance your kayaking experience.
While edging and bracing are used a lot with classic sit-in kayaks, they also have their place with sit-on-top kayaks. Sit-on-top kayaks are super stable and less inclined to capsize. However, just because capsize is less of a concern doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. You can use the technique of bracing with a sit-on-top kayak as well.
What is Kayak Edging?
Edging is a kayaking technique of tilting your kayak to enhance control and maneuverability. It creates an “edge” with the kayak that allows the paddler to “carve” through the water to make sharper turns, maintain stability, and respond more quickly to strokes.
How to Edge:
Edging is done by tilting your kayak with your body.
- Start by creating a C-shape (use those obliques) by leaning your hip to one side and raising the opposite knee. This should allow your kayak to lean to one side, creating the “edge” that you are looking for to carve through the water.
- Make sure you create the tilt with your lower body while your upper body remains centered in the kayak. Don’t let your head lean over, or you will be prone to capsize.
- If you are in a sit-on-top kayak, you won’t edge as the design of sit-on-tops makes them extremely stable in the water, and they are harder to lean and not likely to create an efficient edge.
Why Edge:
Edging is used to maintain control of the kayak, make precise turns, and provide the basis for more advanced maneuvers. It can allow you to carve through rough water and stay stable in winds and currents because you are more responsive. Experienced kayakers use edging almost constantly and unconsciously as the kayak becomes an extension of themselves.
What is Kayak Bracing?
Bracing is a kayaking technique designed to prevent capsizing by providing support to recover balance when the kayak is unstable. Rather like an outrigger, a bracing stroke uses the paddle to press against the water to keep the kayak from flipping.
How to Brace:
- If your kayak begins to tip, slap the water with your paddle blade. This creates a momentary support. Don’t continue to push into the paddle blade as it will begin to sink.
- As you hit the water and push against it, use your hips and knees (hip snap) to return your kayak back under control and your body to its center of gravity.
- Align your head last. Leading with your head can cause you to capsize.
- Sit-on-top kayaks can also benefit from bracing; although it won’t be as common as in a sit-in.
Why Brace:
Bracing is a stroke designed to prevent capsizing. A quick reaction with a bracing stroke can help bring a tipping or unstable kayak back into balance. It works like an outrigger to press against the water and help the paddler return to a stable position. If you want to use the bracing technique on a sit-on-top kayak, you will lift your knee and use your lower body to shift your weight to the opposite side of the boat as you continue to use the paddle as an outrigger.
Types of Braces:
Low Brace:
A low brace is a quick, defensive maneuver that is used in mild to moderate conditions. You execute a low brace by keeping the paddle low, elbows up, and the back face of the blade to slap the water. This type of brace is safest for the shoulders because you keep the paddle closer to your body. It will help you regain your balance and prevent a capsize.
High Brace:
Very similar to a low brace, but a high brace is more aggressive to combat rougher conditions or a more extreme tip. Again, hold the paddle with the hands above the elbows, but it is held higher, and the reach is a bit further. Also, you slap the water with the front (power) side of the blade. Technique is vital with a high brace so that you don’t compromise your shoulder.
Edging vs. Bracing
Edging
These proactive skills allow the kayaker more control on the water for more efficient paddling.
Bracing
This reactive skill is used to prevent a capsize and recover / maintain balance.
Both bracing and edging are skills that require balance and practice, but they can help you get more out of your kayak. Learning these advanced kayaking skills can make you more efficient and safer on the water. Happy Paddling!