We don’t have brakes on our kayaks but knowing the most effective and safe way to stop in an emergency is essential.

If you need to stop quickly, you don’t need to change your grip on the paddle or turn the paddle around, just use the back of the blade to paddle in reverse to stop.

However, it’s not quite as simple as paddling backwards in the same way as you would to paddle forwards (especially in an unstable K1/2). If you fully bury the blade in the water as you would when paddling forwards, a capsize is very likely to follow! Instead skim the back of the blade from back to front across the top of the water with your blade at about 45 degrees to the surface of the water. You don’t need to start too far back, just behind your hips is fine – this will give you more support. Short strokes in quick succession on each side are best.

The technique is the same in a sea kayak.