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Your Paddle Called… It Wants to Be Held Correctly

Fix this rookie error to paddle smarter and with more efficiency.

Surf Ski paddling

So, you’ve got your kayak, your personal flotation device, and a shiny new paddle. You push off into the water with confidence, only to realize… something feels off. You’re splashing more than gliding. Your arms are burning after 10 minutes. And despite all that effort, you’re not exactly blazing across the lake.


Chances are, you’re holding your kayak paddle wrong. Don’t worry—it happens to everyone. In fact, the most common mistake that we see, is an upside down paddle. But a bad grip isn’t just awkward, it’s wildly inefficient and can mess with your entire kayaking experience.


Let’s fix that.


Why Holding Your Paddle Correctly Actually Matters


Before we dive into hand placement, let’s talk about why this is important:


  • Efficiency: A proper grip helps transfer energy from your core—not just your arms—so you paddle farther with less effort.

  • Control: You’ll steer better, track straighter, and avoid those accidental zig-zags that scream “I’m new here.”

  • Comfort: Say goodbye to wrist strain, shoulder fatigue, and random blisters.

  • Speed: Paddling correctly won’t make you Olympic-level fast, but it’ll definitely help you stop being “mystery back-of-the-pack” slow.


Step-by-Step: How to Hold Your Kayak Paddle Like a Pro


🧠 Step 1: Find the Power Face:


Each blade on your paddle has a power face—the side that pushes against the water. It’s usually slightly curved or has a subtle scoop. Make sure both power faces are facing you when you look at the paddle in front of you.

Pro Tip: If one side of your paddle blade is flat and the other is more concave or curved, the concave side should face behind you during a stroke. And the brand name will be right-side up with the paddle blade widest at the top.

✋ Step 2: Center Your Hands:


Lift the paddle over your head and rest it on your head like a barbell. Your elbows should make a 90-degree angle. That’s your ideal hand spacing.

  • Too wide? You’ll waste energy and strain your shoulders.

  • Too narrow? You’ll lose power and control.


🔄 Step 3: Orient the Blades (Especially if They’re Feathered):


If your paddle is feathered (blades are offset at an angle), your grip needs to adjust:

  • Right-hand control: Keep your right hand firm and let your left wrist rotate as needed.

  • Left-hand control: Reverse that.

  • Unfeathered paddle? Easy—you just keep a relaxed, even grip on both sides.


🖐️ Step 4: Use a Relaxed, “O” Grip:


Don’t strangle the paddle.

  • Grip it like you’re holding a small bird—not too tight, not too loose.

  • Your thumbs should be wrapped underneath, forming an “O” shape with your index fingers.

A death grip leads to fatigue and poor technique. Plus, your paddle didn’t insult your family—relax.


Bonus Mistakes to Avoid


  • ❌ Thumbs on top of the shaft – Nope, this isn’t a baseball bat.

  • ❌ Hands too close together – You’re not twirling a baton.

  • ❌ Upside-down blades – If the longer edge of the blade is on the bottom, you’re fighting gravity. Flip it.


In Summary: Hold It Right, Paddle Light


Learning to hold your kayak paddle correctly is one of the simplest ways to immediately improve your kayaking game. It helps you go farther, faster, and with a whole lot less frustration.


And hey—next time you pass someone zig-zagging wildly across the lake, feel free to give them a friendly wave. Just make sure you're holding your paddle right when you do.


 

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