Paddling technique

Paddle grip

Also: paddle grip

Hold the paddle slightly wider than shoulder width, with your forearms at roughly a right angle to the shaft.

Wikibooks gives an angle of 75 to 90 degrees between forearm and shaft. The curved (concave) side of the blade faces backwards. With feathered blades the control hand guides the paddle while the other hand lets the shaft rotate.

Sources and further reading

• Wikibooks: Kajak/Techniken (German)

Research as of 13 Nov 2026. We have marked manufacturer information as such.