The Sculling Draw Stroke is another technique that you can do if you want to move sideways. This is similar to the Draw Stroke, only this time, you need to place your Kayaking Paddle blade closer to the Kayak, and push and pull the blade to move the boat sideways. It is especially useful when moving laterally in limited spaces. In this section, learn how to do the Sculling Draw Stroke:
Time needed: 15 minutes.
Here is how you can do a sculling Draw stroke successfully –
- Put The Blade in Water
With the drive face (front side) towards the Kayak, place the Paddle blade in the water, less than one foot from the boat. Make sure that the shaft is vertical and the blade is completely submerged in the water.
- Rotate Wrist
Rotate your wrists so the drive face points slightly towards the bow.
- Move Blade As Far From You As Possible
Move your blade as far forward as you can. Keep your body in an upright position and the shaft vertical. Make sure to keep the Paddle at the same distance from the side of the Kayak.
- Make The Blade Face the Stern
Rotate your wrists in such a way that the blade is slightly facing the stern. Quickly pull the blade as far back as you comfortably can without leaning back.
- Make The Drive face Points Toward The Bow
When the blade is behind you, rotate your wrists so the drive face points slightly towards the bow.
- Move Blade Forward
Move the blade forward. You should have moved sideways at this point.
Learn how to do the Sculling Draw Stroke so you will be able to move laterally to avoid an obstacle, move closer to a jetty or to another kayaker. With enough practice, you will be able to pull it off with ease.
Arthur G. Moore is a veteran paddler. He has over 10 years of whitewater kayaking experience in his kitty. When he was young, he used to love kayaking in rapid III and rapid IV but as time went on, he decided to concentrate mainly on covering long distances on a standard touring kayak. He is currently working as a senior editor for Kayak Manual.
