What should paddlers do to adjust their direction while kayaking?

Paddlers can adjust their direction while kayaking primarily by paddling harder on one side. This technique is effective because the force generated from the paddle striking the water on one side results in more propulsion in that direction. For instance, if a paddler wants to turn left, applying more effort to the left side increases the kayak's forward momentum towards that side, causing the kayak to pivot or turn left.

While other methods such as raising the paddle or changing sitting position may influence balance or stability, they don’t directly alter the kayak's course as effectively as adjusting the intensity of paddling on one side does. Paddling gently on both sides tends to maintain a straight path rather than facilitate a turn. Therefore, increasing the stroke intensity on one side is the most practical and immediate method for directional adjustment while kayaking.