How to Paddle a Kayak: A Beginner's Guide for Your Virgin Islands Trip

Quick Answer

To paddle a kayak, sit upright with your back straight, hold the paddle with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, and alternate dipping each blade into the water in a smooth pulling motion.

There are three core strokes: the forward stroke to move ahead, the reverse stroke to back up, and the sweep stroke to turn. No prior experience is needed. VI Ecotours' guides teach proper form and technique before every tour, and kayaking is accessible to all ages and fitness levels, which makes it a great group or family activity.

If you've got a trip planned to the US Virgin Islands and you're thinking about joining a kayak tour but haven't officially kayaked before, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.

How Do You Get In and Out of a Kayak?

When you join a guided kayaking tour in the Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas, your guide will help you get in and out of your kayak at the dock. Your guide will hold the kayak steady while you step in and sit down. If you don't feel confident in your balance, it's always a good idea to first sit down on the dock and slide in. The same process happens in reverse when you're exiting the kayak at the dock.

If you're getting into the kayak from the shore, slide the kayak down the sand until the front tip is just entering the water. The kayaker sitting in front gets in first, and the back kayaker (or your guide) slides the kayak further into the water. Once the back kayaker is standing in shin-deep water, they get in and sit down, pushing off the sand with their paddle to glide the kayak into the sea. To exit on the shore, paddle in until you hit sand, then the front kayaker gets out and helps pull the kayak up onto the sand. The back kayaker steps out once the rear of the kayak is in shallow enough water to stand.

What's the Correct Kayak Paddling Form?

Sit with your back straight and legs extended in front of you. Avoid slouching to prevent fatigue in your lower back. Hold the paddle straight out in front of you in both hands with your palms facing down. There's no need to be too rigid; you don't want to lock your elbows. Proper kayaking form is an upright seated position with legs and arms extended straight, yet still fluid enough to allow for movement.

The kayak paddle has a shaft (the bar in the middle) and two blades (the parts that go in the water and move it).

The correct grip is relaxed, with your hands just slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Dip one side of the paddle in the water at a time using a pulling motion to move the kayak forward. Then, in a fluid motion, arc your arms to bring the opposite blade down into the water on the other side and pull through. Continue this motion whenever you're moving forward, and synchronize it with your partner if you're sharing a kayak.

What Are the Basic Kayak Strokes?

Forward Stroke

To move the kayak forward, which is what you'll be doing most of the time, use a pulling motion with the paddle. Dip in one blade and pull it toward you with the shaft, then alternate sides in sync with your kayak buddy.

Reverse Stroke

To move the kayak backward, use a pushing motion with the paddle. Dip one blade into the water and push it away from you with the shaft, then alternate sides in sync with your kayak buddy. This stroke is slower than moving forward, since you'll typically only be backing up a few feet at a time.

Sweep Stroke

The sweep stroke is the technique to use when you need to pivot or turn the kayak in a particular direction. Dip the paddle blade into the water on the side you want to turn away from (to turn left, stroke on the right side, and vice versa). Sweep the blade in a wide arc, from the front of the kayak toward the back, as far out from the kayak as you can reach, making a "C" shape in the water. Use your torso and shoulders to drive this stroke, not just your arms.

Where Can You Kayak in the Virgin Islands?

The US Virgin Islands are an ideal place to kayak, for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. The water is crystal clear, so you can see the fish and other marine life below, and the waters are typically protected and calm, which makes it manageable for those new to the sport.

VI Ecotours provides life jackets and a full briefing before every tour to keep things fun and safe. Kayaks are also available to rent on both St. Thomas and St. John for exploring on your own, but if you're new to kayaking, joining a guided tour first is the easiest way to get comfortable with the kayak before heading out solo.

What Are VI Ecotours' Top-Rated Kayaking Tours?

• Cas Cay Kayak, Hike, & Snorkel Tour, St. Thomas: This is our most popular tour for a reason! Kayak to this uninhabited nature preserve and explore the island. There's snorkeling, hiking, a volcanic blowhole, and an army of hermit crabs waiting for you here.

• Mangrove Lagoon Kayak & Snorkel Tour, St. Thomas: The Mangrove Lagoon is a truly unique ecosystem that is worth seeing. It's a great way to spend time in the islands beyond the beach. Paddle through the weaving waterways and learn about the plants and animals that call this area home.

• Night Kayak Tour, St. Thomas: See the Mangrove Lagoon in a new light, by headlamp. It's fun (and just a little spooky) to explore the waterways at night and see which creatures are even more active than they are in the daylight.

• Hurricane Hole Kayak Tour, St. John: Experience a unique kayak trip into the Coral Reef National Monument in St. John. Explore Water Creek, Otter Creek, and Princess Bay. Snorkel in the mangroves and see schools of juvenile snappers, barracuda, and starfish.

Kayak Paddling FAQs

How do you hold a kayak paddle?

Hold the paddle straight out in front of you with both hands, palms facing down, spaced slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep

a relaxed grip rather than a tight one, and avoid locking your elbows.

Is kayaking hard for beginners?

No. Kayaking is accessible to all ages and fitness levels, and no prior experience is needed. On a guided VI Ecotours tour, your guide teaches proper form and helps you get in and out of the kayak at both the start and end of the trip.

What's the difference between the forward, reverse, and sweep strokes?

The forward stroke pulls the kayak ahead and is used most of the time. The reverse stroke pushes the kayak backward over short distances. The sweep stroke, using a wide arc from front to back, pivots or turns the kayak in a chosen direction.

Do I need my own kayak or gear to paddle in the Virgin Islands?

No. VI Ecotours provides kayaks, life jackets, and a full safety briefing on every guided tour, and also rents kayaks on both St. Thomas and St. John for exploring independently once you're comfortable.

Can kids or seniors kayak in the Virgin Islands?

Yes. Kayaking is accessible to all ages and fitness levels, which makes it a good group or family activity, and VI Ecotours' guides provide instruction before every tour to help beginners of any age get comfortable on the water.

Join Us for a Kayak Tour

We can't wait to help you grow your love for kayaking. It's a water sport for everyone, and something that once you try it, you'll want to do again and again.

Reserve your kayak tour with us and let's get paddling!