Let’s consider the 4 phases of forward paddling, starting with the setup:

The setup is where you’re preparing to take a stroke. You should have an upright posture, not bending or leaning too far forward or backwards.

Rotate your hips and torso forwards on the side you’re going to take the stroke and reach forward with the arm on that side. This arm should be ‘athletically’ straight (almost straight with a very slight bend at the elbow). Your hand should be at about eye level. As a guide you should be able to see the bow of your kayak below your arm.

Your other arm (upper arm) should be bent at 90 degrees at the elbow with your upper arm at roughly 90 degrees to your torso and 45 degrees forward. Your hand needs to be at about eye level.

You should be looking straight ahead, not down at your boat (a common error) or up at the sky.