Efficient Sea Kayak Forward Paddling
Dates
Times
Price
Ratio
Coach
Termine des Kurses
- 24. Mai 2026
- 11. Juli 2026
- 30. August 2026
Master the Forward Stroke: Power, Efficiency, and Endurance
The forward stroke is the most fundamental movement in a sea kayaker’s repertoire, yet it is often the least refined. While a poor technique leads to wrist, elbow, and shoulder fatigue, a mastered stroke unlocks a new world of paddling.
An efficient stroke allows you to paddle for hours against wind and swell without injury, enabling you to travel further, explore longer, and reach demanding locations that others cannot. This intensive workshop strips your technique back to the basics to build a high-performance "engine." We move beyond "arm paddling" to help you harness the power of your core and legs through improved posture, positive connection, and fluid power transfer.
Course Goal
You will walk away with a significantly more efficient forward stroke and a personalized "toolkit" of exercises. You won’t just paddle faster; you’ll have the technical foundation to continue improving your performance long after the course is over.
Course Content
- High-Angle Technique: Master the modern high-angle stroke for maximum efficiency.
- Video Analysis: See your stroke in action with personalized video feedback.
- Ergometer Training: Refine your body mechanics on a paddle ergometer before hitting the water.
- Paddle Expertise: Understand the differences between high-angle, low-angle, Greenland, and Wing paddles.
Course Specifics
Building Your Engine
We break the forward stroke down into four critical phases to ensure every ounce of energy translates into forward momentum.
1. The Catch (The Anchor)
Learn to submerge the blade fully and "lock" it into the water before applying power. We focus on achieving maximum reach through shoulder and hip flexibility to ensure your stroke starts from the strongest possible position.
2. The Power Phase (The Rotation)
Shift the workload from small arm muscles to the large muscles of your torso. You will learn to use your feet, legs, and core to drive power from the blade directly through the boat, creating a true full-body connection.
3. The Exit (The Release)
Stop "lifting water" at the end of your stroke, which creates unnecessary drag and slows your momentum. We help you find the optimal exit point to maintain perfect boat trim and speed.
4. The Recovery
Prevent forearm fatigue and tendonitis by mastering a relaxed grip. We focus on continuing your torso rotation even when the blade is out of the water, "winding up" and pre-rotating for your next powerful catch.
Kajak Paddeltechnik
Before You Book
This isn't just a course for beginners, it is a technical "tune-up" for high-performance sea kayaking.
Intermediate Paddlers: Increase your touring range and endurance.
Advanced Kayakers: Improve your speed, play longer in surf or tide races, and build a vital safety reserve for demanding conditions.
Attendance of a Solid Foundations course or equivalent experience
Easy.
- You should be comfortable with: gentle paddling for 1-2 hours, frequent breaks.
- Feels like: a calm shoreline paddle at an easy pace
- Sea Kayak
- Spray Deck
- Paddle
- Buoyancy Aid
- Drysuit or neoprene depending on the weather
- Water shoes
- Towline, paddle float, pump
- Lockers and changing rooms
- Video analysis
- Own kayak equipment
- Swimwear and personal kayak clothing
- Medication
- Sun protection
Minimum age 15
3. Cancellation by the customer
The withdrawal must be in writing and cancellation fees will be calculated as follows: NB. The Percentage refers to the cancellation fee from the total course or tour fee. For all our activities we recommend purchasing cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
3.2 Courses and Coaching in Switzerland
- More than 7 days before the start of the activity: CHF 50 administration fee.
- 7 days -24hours before the start of the activity 50%.
- 24 hours before the start of the activity/no shows 100%.
Lerne unser Team kennen
Jolien Gekiere
Werde Teil der Hightide Outdoor & Paddle Community
Wir möchten unsere Liebe zur Natur und zum Paddeln mit möglichst vielen Menschen teilen. Wir freuen uns auf weitere gemeinsame Paddel- und Outdoor-Events. Möchtest du dabei sein? Dann sichere dir regelmäßig Inspiration für Outdoor- und Kajak-Aktivitäten online und melde dich für unseren Newsletter an! Wir würden uns freuen, dich in unserer Community willkommen zu heissen.
Coaching Philosophie
Bei Hightide glauben wir an individuelles Coaching. Unsere Kurse beginnen dort, wo du gerade stehst, und führt dich zu deinen persönlichen Paddelzielen.
Für manche bedeutet das, Selbstvertrauen beim Paddeln aufzubauen und die Natur zu genießen. Für andere geht es darum, die Effizienz für Expeditionen oder Langstreckenpaddeln zu verbessern. Es kann auch darum gehen, die Fähigkeiten für das Paddeln auf dem Meer zu entwickeln oder Techniken für Flüsse, Felsgärten und Brandung zu erlernen.
Was auch immer dein Ziel ist, unsere umfangreiche Erfahrung auf dem Meer und unser tiefes Verständnis für das Seekajakfahren werden dir helfen, voranzukommen. Alle unsere Trainer kommen aus dem Seekajakbereich, verfügen über professionelle Qualifikationen und sind nicht nur begeisterte Paddler, sondern auch leidenschaftliche Trainer. Wir haben Jahre damit verbracht, herauszufinden, was in diesem Sport wirklich einen Unterschied macht, und sind bestrebt, dies auf die effektivste Weise zu vermitteln – indem wir das Lernen erlebbar machen.
Wenn du an einem Hightide-Kurs teilnimmst, wirst du am Ende ein klares Verständnis dafür haben, wie du dich weiter verbessern kannst, und eine strukturierte Methode, um das Gelernte zu behalten. Wir sehen unsere Aufgabe darin, die richtigen Bedingungen für das Lernen zu schaffen, damit du auch lange nach Ende des Kurses weiter Fortschritte machen kannst.