The low support stroke is one of the most fundamental and important skills in kayaking.

Whether you’re a beginner paddler or an experienced whitewater enthusiast, this recovery technique can help prevent capsizing and boost your confidence on the water.

Today, we are going to learn more about it including how to do it, when to do it, practising tips, and safety considerations.

Let’s begin.

What is a Low Support Stroke or Low Brace?

A low support stroke is a preventive stroke that helps you regain stability when your kayak begins to tip.

Think of it as extending your arms out like outriggers, using the power of the water’s surface tension to right yourself.

The key distinction of a low support stroke is that the blade angle is flat on the water, with the power face (the back of the paddle blade) facing up.

When to Use It?

You’ll want to employ the low support stroke when:

• Your kayak starts tipping to one side
• You’re hit by an unexpected wave or wake
• You need to lean into turns while maintaining stability
• You’re navigating choppy water or small rapids

What is the Proper Technique of Doing it?

Let’s see how to perform the low support stroke the right way.

1. Starting Position
   • Hold your paddle with a relaxed grip
   • Keep your elbows close to your body
   • Position the paddle shaft at hip level
2. The Brace Motion
   • As you feel yourself tipping, slap the back of the blade flat on the water’s surface
   • Keep your arms low and relaxed
   • Use your hips to right the boat, not just your arms
   • Maintain a slight forward lean in your torso
3. Recovery
   • Once stable, smoothly return to your normal paddling position
   • Be ready to brace on either side as needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When executing the low support stroke, avoid these mistakes.

• High Elbows: Keeping your elbows too high increases the risk of shoulder injury
• Rigid Arms: Tense arms reduce reaction time and increase injury risk
• Pushing Down: The blade should slap and skim, not push into the water
• Late Reaction: Practice until bracing becomes instinctive

Tips for Practice

Here’s how you can practise the skill.

• Start in calm, flat water near shore
• Have an experienced paddler or instructor nearby
• Practice on both sides equally
• Begin with small tilts and gradually increase the angle
• Combine with hip snap exercises for better control

Safety Considerations

Remember that the low support stroke is a preventive technique, not a guarantee against capsizing. Always:

• Wear a properly fitted PFD
• Practice wet exits and self-rescue techniques
• Keep your shoulders relaxed to prevent injury
• Avoid overreliance on bracing instead of proper paddling technique

Building on the Basics

Once you’ve mastered the low support stroke, you can progress to:

• High braces for more aggressive recovery
• Combining braces with edge control
• Dynamic braces while moving
• Rolling techniques

Conclusion

The low support stroke is your foundation for becoming a confident, stable paddler.

With practice, it becomes an instinctive response that will serve you well throughout your kayaking journey.

Remember: Smooth, relaxed movements and proper body position are key to effective bracing.

Take time to develop this skill, and you’ll find yourself handling increasingly challenging conditions with confidence.

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