Canoe and kayak strokes are different because kayak strokes alternate sides. The recovery of one kayak stroke is the same motion as the beginning of the next. W

Canoe and kayak strokes are different because kayak strokes alternate sides. The recovery of one kayak stroke is the same motion as the beginning of the next. Whereas a canoe stroke has a more linear progression of phases since there is one blade. Each forward stroke fully completes, and you reset before taking the next. Power/endurance for kayak strokes comes from the lower core: the obliques and lower back muscles. The muscles you would use to twist from side to side about your spine. Imagine laying on your back with your legs sticking straight up; now keep both shoulder blades against the floor while you swing your legs from side to side. Those are the muscles for kayaking. A smooth kayak stroke looks like the balance wheel in a mechanical wristwatch, smoothly swinging back and forth with no hitch or pause. The body doesn’t pitch forward or backward, just twists.