How to Move a Kayak Sideways: The Draw Stroke Guide
- Dylan
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
The draw stroke allows a kayaker to move sideways without turning. This stroke is extremely useful for maneuvering and positioning your kayak without having to do several forward or reverse sweep strokes.
While it may feel unfamiliar at first, the draw stroke becomes much easier once you rotate your torso and face the direction you want the kayak to move.
Why the Draw Stroke Works
The draw stroke works by pulling water toward the kayak, which causes the boat to move sideways toward the paddle blade.
Keeping the blade vertical and away from the kayak helps maximize how much water you move during the stroke.
When Paddlers Use Draw Strokes
• Maneuvering next to docks
• Positioning next to another kayak
• Adjusting position during rescues
• Fine boat control in tight spaces
• Correcting position in current
Step-by-Step Draw Stroke
Sit tall with good posture so your torso can rotate
Rotate your torso so your chest faces the direction you want to move
Reach the paddle out from the kayak with the blade vertical
Plant the blade in the water a short distance from the boat
Pull the blade toward the kayak
Stop the blade before it touches the kayak
Slice the blade back out to the starting position
When slicing the paddle back out, turn the blade so it becomes 'skinny' to the water—similar to the blade position used during a forward stroke—so it slices cleanly back to the starting position.
Ideally most of this movement is done with your lower hand and arm. Your top hand should remain at roughly the same height throughout the draw stroke.
The arm on the side where the paddle is in the water should be bent with the elbow pointing downward. Both hands should remain on the same side of the kayak as the paddle blade.
You can keep your top hand at the same height by allowing the paddle blade in the water to get slightly deeper as it moves closer to the kayak.
This standard draw stroke is less stable than the sculling draw stroke described below.
Sculling Draw: A More Stable Variation
The sculling draw stroke starts with the same torso rotation as the standard draw. Your chest should face the direction you want to move as much as possible.
Keeping your knuckles lined up with the top edge of the paddle blade as you would during a forward stroke, roll your wrists and paddle back into a 'chin‑up' position—like you have just pulled your chin above the paddle shaft—so the blade on the side you will move toward lies flat on the surface of the water.
To start the sculling draw, push your elbows slightly outward and roll your wrists back so the power face of the blade is angled slightly toward the front of the kayak. Plant the blade in the water slightly behind you and away from the side of the kayak. You will keep the paddle out away from the side of the kayak on this version.
Rotate your torso so the paddle moves toward the front of the kayak to around your knees. Stop there, then mirror the angle you started with but now with the power face angled slightly toward the back of the kayak.
If the blade angle becomes too steep, the stroke will start moving the kayak forward and backward instead of pulling the boat sideways.
The paddle blade should always maintain a gentle climbing angle so it stays near the surface of the water rather than diving downward.
Protecting Your Shoulders
A common mistake is attempting the draw stroke with your shoulders facing forward. This forces your arms to do most of the work and can strain the shoulder.
Instead, rotate your torso so you are facing the paddle blade. This allows your core muscles to help power the stroke and keeps your shoulder in a stronger position.
Practice Drill: Dock Positioning
A great way to practice draw strokes is by slowly approaching a dock or shoreline and using draw strokes to move the kayak sideways into position.
Focus on torso rotation and keeping the top hand steady while the lower hand does most of the movement.
Common Draw Stroke Mistakes
Top hand too high (above your head)
Not rotating the torso toward the paddle
Letting the paddle blade angle too steeply
Pulling with the arms instead of the torso
Allowing the blade to hit the side of the kayak
Connecting the Three Fundamental Strokes
The draw stroke works together with the forward stroke and sweep stroke to give paddlers full control of their kayak. Forward strokes move the kayak ahead, sweep strokes turn the kayak, and draw strokes move the kayak sideways.
Learn These Skills on the Water
Reading about technique is helpful, but practicing with instructors can accelerate your learning dramatically. Our classes cover strokes, rescues and more.
Our Skills Memberships include monthly Skills Nights and regular Member Paddles for those who want consistent time on the water, community, and steady progression after class.
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