The "get down" command is very important when paddling in white water because it will help you keep your raft going in the right direction. It can be tempting to keep paddling until you hear "stop,", especially in rapids with strong currents. While paddling, you should hold on to anything you can to stay in the raft until you are told to get out.
A good guide will show you how to "get down," which means leaning over the raft's high side. This command will help you keep your weight evenly distributed and keep you from flipping over. It would help if you always did what the guide says to stay safe when paddling through the white water.
You need to know how to do the Duffek stroke if you want to paddleboard in rough water. It is a combination stroke that helps you get into and out of an eddy, a turbulent area of water behind a large rock or another obstacle. It will also help you keep your place when going through rapids.
It takes a lot of coordination to do the Duffek stroke. While holding the paddle, keep your knee straight and your power face perpendicular to the current. Also, it would help if you moved in a way that turns the paddle's blade. The Duffek can be done in one stroke or used as a strong forward stroke.
One of the best ways to paddle through white water is to use eddy turns. Eddy turns are a mix of position, angle, and edge; if done right, they can feel easy. You could take a whitewater class or buy Anna's DVD if you want more tips on improving your eddy turns.
To do eddy turns right, paddle in the direction the eddy is moving. This way, you won't get swept along with the main current. For example, if you're paddling with a friend, you can aim lower into the eddy to make room for them.
One of the most important parts of a kayak stroke is rotation, so make sure your torso is always moving when you paddle. It makes paddling easier on your arms and shoulders and gives you more power.
It would help if you had a strong core and arms to improve torso rotation. By rotating your torso with each stroke, you can strengthen your arms, shoulders, and core, making your strokes stronger.
The kayak can flip or sway if you paddle at the wrong angle. When the blade is at the right angle, it puts the same amount of pressure on the water. If you don't make this mistake, you'll be able to paddle faster and straighter.
Many people are just starting to make the mistake of bracing their upper bodies when they paddle. This makes them feel safer, but it also makes them less powerful. Instead, they should rotate their torsos. This will give them more power and keep their arms and shoulders from getting hurt. If you take the time to learn this basic technique of paddling, your kayaking will be much more fun.
