The C Strokes In How Kayaking Works

Self Help in Kayaking

Pry-strokes or C-Strokes are a method used in kayaking and canoeing to maneuver or control the boat. Developed from the J Stroke, the C stroke is often employed in Whitewater adventures. Before the paddle is swung around to form a C shape, the paddle is swung beneath the kayak and/or canoe.

The pry-stroke is formed from C strokes that zigzag during races. (Slalom) In other words, the stroke forms from any race involving zigzag courses for obstacles, such as Whitewater kayaking or canoeing. In competitions kayakers will often use the C stroke through obstacle courses were poles and flags mark their position.

Pry-strokes occur when the shaft of the paddle is braced against the ledge of the boat. (Gunwale or gunnels) You can perform both the pry-stroke and C stroke from either end of the boat, e.g. the stern or bow.

Serious kayakers will often use a variety of methods to maneuver and turn the kayak. Team kayakers often work together, planning ahead to use a variety of strokes to steer the kayak.

How do teams work in competition?
In competition kayaking, the team must be alert to all requirements. The Teamsters will often practice and train together before entering a competition. Teamsters will practice each stroke in kayaking together to learn how the strokes work. Once the Teamsters master each stroke they work together to form a plan, which includes the best strokes to take in a variety of events. Each team member will practice strokes from stern to bow positions. In other words, one team member may practice at the bow one day, and at the stern position another day.

Kayaking requires skill, experience, intelligence, balance, and avoidance of guesswork. Kayaking skills will prevent capsizing (flipping), slows, and so forth. For instance if one passenger aboard a kayak uses a stroke incorrectly, such as the J Stroke, and the other passenger uses a draw angle stroke, and both have dissimilar ideas, the kayakers will lose time in forward position. In kayaking competitions the goal is to win a race, rather than deter directions.

In both kayaking and canoeing sports pivoting turns are difficult to make. Thus, knowing the proper strokes can spare you trouble, as well as give you time.

Kayaks are sports canoes, which are often made of fiberglass. Kayaks like canoes are lightweight ships, which is generally utilized for leisure, travel, racing, or in competitive sports. At one time canoes were made of animal skin, such as the Inuit boats, which one or two passengers would use double bladed paddles to steer the boat.

Today, you have a wide array of canoes and kayaks to select from, yet, most kayakers will still use double bladed paddles to steer the boat.

How do doubled bladed paddles differ from single paddles?
The differences Whitewater kayakers often prefer flat, spoon shape paddles, since the paddles deliver somewhat of a different stroke. Kayakers tend to choose the double bladed paddles also, since the strokes are similar to feathered moves.


It is up to you what type of paddle you prefer, but what makes the double bladed paddles different is that the paddle is a single board with blades at each end. The single paddles are two paddles separately. In other words you will have to hold two paddles in both hands, and both sides.

To learn more about kayaking, strokes, steering, paddles and more visit the Internet for information is available to you. You can also visit to public library to learn more about kayaking, C Strokes, Pry-strokes, and more.