Most of the time we are interested in going forward or downstream.  We need an efficient stroke to get us from point A to point B with the least effort possible.  We will be covering the forward stroke in more detail later on in the class but it makes sense to break down this very basic stroke into its components.

1. Catch - This is where the paddle first enters the water, preferable near your feet.
2. Propulsion - This portion of the stroke moves the boat forward.  Simply pull the paddle blade in the water from your feet to your hip.
3. Recovery - This is the portion of the stroke where the paddle blade leaves the water and the other paddle blade gets its turn.

Really proficient boaters manage to hold the paddle blade 90° to the boat as the paddle traverses from front to back.  They do this using just one hand - the control grip.  The other hand takes a break and often has an open grip.  Great paddlers seldom need what is known as correction strokes.  A correction stroke is often a simple rudder at the end of the forward stroke to bring the boat back in line.  Here is a nice video demonstration of a proper forward stroke: Forward Stroke Demonstration.

Strokes will be covered in far more detail in the Strokes section of the course.  To help prepare you for that section, we need to think about kayaking as a three dimensional activity.  The first dimension is going forward and backward - linear.  This is where we use our power strokes.  Quite simply, this is the Forward Stroke and the Back Stroke.  It takes some practice to paddle forward in a straight line, especially in flat water.  We will be spending a great deal of time practicing this crucial stroke.  The Back Stroke can be used to stop the boat or maintain your position in current.  The second dimension requires turning strokes.  The most common turning strokes are the Forward and Reverse Sweeps.  We can also turn with correction strokes like the forward and reverse Rudder.  Draw strokes can also turn the boat if initiated in front or behind the cockpit.  The third dimension deals with being able to remain upright.  When the boat starts falling over on its side, you need a way to bring the boat back upright.  This is done via a Low (preferred) or High Brace.

Most of the time, we will be emptying our kayak on the river side after a swim.  Hopefully you remembered to install flotation in the rear of your boat.  Always remember that water is quite heavy at 8 pounds/gal.  The first step is to remove the drain plug if your boat has one.  To avoid losing a drain plug, I tie a thin piece of nylon, sewing thread, or fishing line through the plug and around the grab loop.  If you haven't done this, put the drain plug in your pocket.  The next step is flipping the kayak from the side so the cockpit faces downward.  This will remove most of the water.  Now you want to push one end of the kayak well up on the river bank so it sits higher than the other end.  You can now lift the low end using your leg muscles and rock up and down to nearly all water is drained.  For the final touch, place the empty drain end on land and hold vertical so the remaining water drains through the drain plug.  Don't forget to attach the drain plug when finished.  For the Felix Unger's amongst us, tilt the boat on its side and sponge out the remaining moisture.

If you have a heavy boat and need assistance, don't be shy - ask for help.  Also, if you had a long cold swim it is always a good idea to ask for assistance.  When you are chilly, your muscles don't work as well and you don't want to injure yourself.

The following article does a nice job at describing the procedure: Emptying Your Kayak.  Here is a very humorous alternative method: Cool Way to Empty a Kayak.