Draw stroke

From Wikipaddle

A draw stroke is exactly what it says on the tin- it is a stroke used to 'draw' the kayak sideways through the water.

Types of Draw Stroke

The Basic Draw Stroke

The basic draw stroke is a fairly simple move used when you first start out to get you nearer or further away from the bank when you get on the water.

1. It's probably easier to start the stroke on your stronger side (i.e. if you're right handed start on the right, if you're a lefty on the right).
2. Hold your paddle upright in the water with the blade flat against the side of the boat. The blade itself should be somewhere between your knees and your bum, but the exact place varies from boat to boat so experiment a bit first (you know when you have it right as the boat will not turn!). Ideally your loose hand (the one further away from the water) should be somewhere near your eyebrows.
3. Now turn the paddle 90 degrees (so the back of the blade faces the front of the boat) and move the paddle away from the boat.
4. Turn it back to the original position and pull the paddle towards the boat. You should begin to move sideways across the water.
5. Once you have this mastered make sure you edge on the side which will make the move even more efficient.
6. Make sure you get lots of practice with this draw stroke as it's probably the easiest once you've mastered it. Don't forget to keep your hand up high, this is the thing most beginners struggle with.
7. Now repeat this on your other side.

The Sculling Draw

The sculling draw is a variation of the sculling support stroke. Slightly more difficult to totally perfect than the Basic draw stroke but it is much more efficient and a lot more visually impressive.

The Hanging Draw

The hanging draw is a draw stroke 'used on the move' usually to avoid eddies or similar obstructions. The actual move is fairly difficult to master but is very very useful. Remember to practice,practice,practice.

1. Unfortunately in order to perfect this move you do need to be moving forwards, which makes it very difficult to begin with, but try moving slowly at first before trying it out on some more adventurous water. For the purpose of this tutorial I'll assume you want to do the draw on the right hand side.
2. Paddle forwards normally but when you wish to perform the stroke put a slightly weaker stroke in on the left hand side, which will turn the nose slightly to the left.
3. Put the paddle into the water (on the right hand side)in the position for the regular draw stroke, but instead of moving it outwards simply turn your wrist until you feel the boat begin to pull to the side.
4. Resist this pull and begin to edge on the right hand side to draw the water under the boat and increase efficiency.
5. Remember to practice a lot. Increase the speed of your forward paddle which will make you more prepared for faster water. As always practice this move on both sides.