It’s important to consider the path that your paddle should take during a paddle stroke. Back in the 1970s when I paddled at the Royal Canoe Club, I was taught to keep the paddle as close to the centre line of the kayak as possible (i.e, right along side the boat). That’s all changed now! 

The most effective stroke is where the paddle enters the water as far forward and as close to the boat as possible, but then moves backwards (relative to the kayak) and outwards at a roughly 30 degree angle from the boat (see drawing below) and is taken out of the water at around your hip. A good guide is to allow your paddle to follow the bow wake of your kayak as it moves away from your boat. This allows maximum use of your main muscles – legs, core, back, rather than your arms. If you’re using a wing paddle (highly recommended – see the tip on wing paddles), it is essential to paddle this way and it’s what a wing paddle is designed to do. This approach also works well with a Euroblade.