Learn the Basics of How to Paddle a Kayak

If you’ve got a trip planned to the US Virgin Islands and you’re thinking about joining us for a kayak tour but haven’t officially kayaked before, not to worry! Kayaking is a fun, exciting way to get on the water and experience the natural world. It’s a water activity that is accessible to everyone—all ages and fitness levels can learn how to kayak, which makes it a great group and/or family experience.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure, or merely a peaceful day spent paddling in the mangroves, the Virgin Islands are an incredible place to get acquainted with kayaking.

Getting Started: How to Paddle a Kayak

Getting In and Out of Your Kayak

When you join us on a guided kayaking tour in the Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas, we will help you get in and out of your kayak at our 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 will take place in reverse when you’re exiting the kayak at the dock. 

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

Form and Posture

When seated in the kayak, sit with your back straight and legs extended in front of you. Avoid slouching to prevent fatigue to your lower back. Hold the paddle straight out in front of you in both of your 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 to allow for movement. 

The kayak paddle consists of a shaft—the bar in the middle—and two blades—the actual parts that will be going in and moving the water.

The correct paddling technique is a relaxed grip with your hands just slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. You will dip one side of the kayak paddle in the water at a time using a pulling motion to pull the kayak forward. Then, in a fluid motion, you will arc your arms to bring the opposite paddle blade down into the water on the other side and pull through. You will continue this motion whenever you’re moving forward. You will need to synchronize this motion if you’re sharing a kayak with another kayaker. 

Mastering Basic Kayaking Strokes

Forward Stroke

To move the kayak forward, which is what you will be doing the majority of the time, you will use a pulling motion with the paddles. Your paddle stroke will be to dip in one paddle blade and pull it towards you with the paddle shaft. Then alternate sides in synchronicity with your kayak buddy. 

Reverse Stroke

To move the kayak backwards, you will use a pushing motion with the paddles. Your paddle stroke will be to dip in one paddle blade into the water and push it away from you with the paddle shaft. Then alternate sides in synchronicity with your kayak buddy. This kayak stroke is slower than moving forward, as you will likely only be backing up a few feet at a time (not traveling backwards for any length of time).

Sweep Stroke

A sweep stroke is a great paddling technique to use when you need to pivot or turn the kayak in a particular direction. When using this paddling technique, you will 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. Think of making a "C" shape in the water. In this stroke technique, you will use your torso and shoulders to drive the stroke—not just your arms.

Kayaking in the Virgin Islands: Join Us for an Eco Adventure!

The US Virgin Islands are an ideal place to kayak, whether you’re a beginner or have experience. The water is crystal clear, which means you can see through to the fish and other marine life below. The waters are also typically very protected and calm, meaning it won’t be too difficult for those who are new to this water sport. 

At Virgin Islands EcoTours, we provide life jackets and a full briefing to ensure you have a fun, safe time on the water. While we have kayaks available on both St. Thomas and St. John to rent and use to explore on your own, we highly recommend that if you’re new to kayaking, you first join us for a guided tour. Your guide will help you get acquainted with the kayak and assist you in getting in and out of it comfortably.

Here are our top rated kayaking tours in the USVI:

• 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 all about the plants and animals who 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!

We can’t wait to help you grow your love for kayaking. It’s a water sport for everyone and something that once you do once, you’ll want to kayak again and again in the future.

Join us for a fun and educational activity in nature. Reserve your kayak tour with us and let’s get paddling!