w h i t e w a t e r kayak.com ~ technique: bowstall

How to Bowstall

If you want to have a different and active budget family holidays , try kayaking! This activity will surely make for an exciting getaway for the whole family. Try learning how to bowstall to add more fun to your kayaking holiday.

The bowstall is a fun move in that can show off your vertical balance in a kayak. In order to
become comfortable with it, you should spend some time in the pool working on your balance
skills. The best way is to go to the edge of the pool, holding onto the side, get your boat into a
vertical position. Keep your head down near (or in) the water, try to use your abdominal muscles
to keep the boat in a vertical position. Once you get the hang of this, try grabbing a paddle from
the edge of the pool and try your balance with it! Once you start getting your balance, your
ready to try it from a double-pump.

I'm winding up, note my torso
leading the boat.

Boat on edge & bow is up. My
torso starts to turn toward the
water.

Now I'm facing the water, note
my bow is still headed upward

Facing the water, I reverse
stroke & pull the boat down.

Using my abs, the bow is
down, note the paddle hasn't
changed position much.

Now vertical, I could use my
left blade to stop my spin
momentum if needed.

To keep your balance, you
may need to place your head
into the water.

Pushing/Pulling on the paddle is
made easier in the high/low
brace positions.

Once you get this down, you'll
be ready to throw down even
more advanced moves!

Remember, it's a lot easier to practice this move in a warm pool than in a cold river! If you try
this and are still having problems, you can e-mail me at jake@whitewaterkayak.com for more
help.