Efficient Sea Kayak Forward Paddling
Dates
Times
Price
Ratio
Coach
Course dates
- May 24, 2026
- July 11, 2026
- August 30, 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.
Kayak Paddle Technique
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%.
Meet The Team
Jolien Gekiere
Become a part of the Hightide Outdoor & Paddle Community
We want to share our love of the outdoors and paddling with as many people as possible. We look forward to more paddling and outdoor events together. You want to be part of it? Then make sure you get your regular online outdoor and kayak inspiration and sign up for our newsletter! We would be happy if you become a part of our community.
Coaching Philosophy
At Hightide, we believe in coaching the individual. Our courses start from where you are and guide you toward your personal paddling goals.
For some, this means building confidence to paddle and enjoy nature. For others, it’s about improving efficiency for expeditions or long-distance paddling. It could also involve developing the skills to venture onto the sea or mastering techniques for rivers, rock gardens, and surf.
Whatever your aim, our extensive experience on the ocean and deep understanding of sea kayaking will help you move forward. All our coaches come from a sea kayaking background, hold professional qualifications, and are passionate not just about paddling but also about coaching. We’ve spent years refining what truly makes a difference in the sport and are committed to delivering it in the most effective way—by making you feel the learning.
When you join a Hightide course, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to keep improving and a structured way to retain what you've learned. We see our role as creating the right conditions for learning, so your progress continues long after the course ends.