With the growth of outdoor fun, kayaking is suitable for almost any attitude or fitness level. The freewheeling fun of gliding across a lake or floating in the sea gets even better after you learn the proper way to kayak. Canoeing is a natural sport, and with practice, the fun goes up several notches as you learn to do it. Once you've mastered some kayaking tips and tricks, your paddle will start to feel like a natural extension of your arms and hands.

Since many people learn how to paddle by chartering boats while on vacation, they don't necessarily take the technical part too seriously. However, we believe that if you learn proper paddling techniques, the fun factor will be multiplied -- and it will help you get out of potentially tricky situations.

Novices quickly conclude that they will not move forward unless the paddle is in the right position, and conclude that they have mastered the forward stroke. Some new kayakers even figure out how to back off when faced with crocodiles, moccasins or a family of loud geese. However, paddle movements vary, and mastering the fundamentals of blade orientation, paddle movement and body posture will propel you from novice to paddle ninja in just a few days.

The basic kayaking techniques for paddling are the same in all water conditions: engage the core, stabilize the (abdominal) muscles and push the paddle away from the body from the shoulders while using the core, chest, back and arm muscles to pull back toward the body. However, for river boating, we will introduce some maneuvering techniques that can help novices feel safer in rapids and currents. All strokes require a proper grip: knuckles up, hands shoulder-width apart and centered.

The type of boat you use affects your speed, but you also need to consider the size and type of paddle you are buying. Unless you purchase custom paddles, most kayaking paddles are 210, 220, 230 or 240 cm in size, your best length depends on your kayak width, size and desired paddle angle.

A Few Words About Paddle Size

Professionals recommend using the shortest paddle depending on the width of the boat and your own wingspan. Taller people can go a long way on a wider boat, but for those under 5 '5 ", shorter OARS are better if possible.

Consider, for example, our sit-down kayak Malibu. These affordable boats range from 9.5 feet long (33 inches wide) to 12 feet tandem models. The Malibu 9.5 is wide enough to require a longer paddle; Shorter people might choose 230 centimeters, while taller people should choose 240 centimeters.

Malibu 11.5 is 31 inches wide and paddles in the 230 cm range are acceptable, especially if you're on the higher side. Shorter people should use the smallest paddle to comfortably clean the boat while rowing, so for kayakers between 5 feet and 5'5 inches, a 220 cm paddle may be the best choice.

In a two-person boat like the Malibu Two[GL4], the recommended minimum paddle is 230 cm, as the width is 34 inches (although slightly shorter when measured in seat position).

Kayaking is more challenging to paddle "the right way" because the length of the paddle doesn't suit your boat and body type. We have created a chart to help you choose the right paddle for your Ocean Kayak craft, however, you still need to consider your height when choosing the paddle length for you.

Kayak Strokes for Ocean and Near the Shore

The two key techniques we will discuss for ocean paddling are how pedal adjustment optimizes vertical transfer and how it is launched in surf.

The ocean presents unique challenges. Despite waves and wind, the best paddling techniques on the high seas consume distance with a smooth stroke.

Ocean paddling, such as canoeing or rowing, is greatly improved with proper vertical transfers, which include the use of full body movement, especially core engagement, on each stroke.

Optimal vertical transfer is based on foot placement. Sea kayaking is equipped with adjustable foot studs to support the body and maintain an upright position so that your legs can also provide power for your forward movement. Sitting on top, the molded plastic foot well also provides a place for the foot to rest against the boat.

Vertical transmission is the transfer of energy from the feet, calves, thighs and torso to the arms and upper body. This energy begins by placing the supporting foot in a foot peg or foot pit and transferring it from the lower to the upper body through the leg muscles and core (abdominal) muscles. The muscles involved include the feet, legs, core, chest/back, and arm/shoulder muscles.

From a distance, canoeing looks like an arms-only sport, but don't believe everything you see, because proper canoeing techniques use all the major muscle groups.

Maintaining posture and body position is especially important in seawater, as the constant fluctuation of the sea can induce paddlers to slip or lose core engagement (similar to what can happen when riding a bike or motorcycle for long periods of time).

While core participation may seem like "common sense," novice kayakers rarely paddle this way. Whether you're learning how to paddle while sitting on top of a kayak or traditional sit-in design, activating your core muscles takes a conscious effort, especially for those of us who don't attend CrossFit classes twice a week.

When you hit that water, you're going to need a sturdy paddle. Carlisle Magic Plus is a good choice.

Before launching, set up the adjustable foot nails for your sea kayak. Place foot studs so that your legs are slightly bent at the knees (as on a bicycle). As you adjust, remember that you are making this decision to optimize vertical migration and take advantage of your health level.

Whether you're kayaking under a clear blue sky or in a sudden storm, your fun ratio is bound to increase when you're able to get out of the way and blend in.