We may need to paddle backwards for a variety of reasons, perhaps to assist in a rescue etc, so a little practice is worthwhile.

As with the emergency stop, don’t reverse the paddle and don’t try to fully immerse the paddle perpendicular to the water as you would do in a forward paddling stroke.

Instead, place the back of the paddle on the surface of the water somewhere just behind your hips, rotating your torso in that direction to maintain the ‘paddler’s box (see the paddler’s box tip). This gives you a good bit of stability and allows you to glance behind you on the same side you’re making the paddle stroke. Push the paddle forwards, ‘unwinding’ your torso as you do so and repeat on the other side, again looking behind you as you rotate your body.

In a K1 you can steer using the rudder. In a sea kayak, use a combination of ‘edge’ and sweep strokes (more on these techniques in other paddling tips) to steer the boat. Otherwise the technique is similar to reversing in a K1.