Oru Kayak BAY ST Owner's Manual page 11

8.3.2 How to hold a paddle
1. Hold the paddle securely in front of you with your hands on the shaft
about elbow-width apart.
2. Raise the paddle above your head and balance the paddle shaft on your
head. Re-position your hands so that your your elbows are at right
angles.
3. Keep your hands in this position and rotate the paddle to just below
shoulder height.
4. This position will allow you to rotate your torso while you paddle. This
will let you paddle faster, longer and more efficiently. It will also protect
you from shoulder fatigue or injury.
5. If you're using an unfeathered paddle, your knuckles should be aligned
with the paddle blades.
6. If you're using a feathered paddle, the knuckles of your dominant hand
should align with the corresponding paddle blade. With each stroke,
you'll rotate the paddle so that the blade enters the water at a right
angle.
7. Whichever paddle you choose, you will use the same grip and
positioning for all strokes.
8.3.3 How to paddle
For all strokes, maintain an upright posture, with the footrest and seat
back adjusted as described on page 8.
Forward stroke
• Start with the paddle oriented as described above.
• Rotate to your left at the torso, and then place two-thirds of the
paddle blade in the water; imagine you're stabbing the water.
• Rotate your torso toward your right with the paddle in the water. Repeat
on the opposite side, alternating strokes on the right and left. You want
to use both hands equally—push with one hand while you pull with the
other.
Reverse stroke
To stop, slow down, or move backward, do the same stroke in
reverse. There is no need to flip the paddle backwa
rd.
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