The bow stall is an advanced playboating move that involves balancing vertically on the bow of your kayak in flat water. This move requires amazing control and will take lots of practice to master. Mastering the bow stall will improve your vertical moves as it will help you better understand the balance points of your kayak.

Step One: The first thing you need to do is get your kayak vertical on the bow. There are a few ways to do this, you can double pump you bow under water or you can perform a bow plow. No way is better than the other, the bow plow is slower but technically easier, while the double pump is faster but will take more time to perfect. (If you can’t already do this take a look in the double pump section)

1. Get vertical on your bow

Step Two: Once your vertical on your bow you need to get both paddle blades in the water and your weight in a moderately aggressive position. With both blades in the water you can push or pull on them to help keep you from falling side to side. (A paddle with an offset between 0 and 30 degrees will make this easier) With your weight in this moderately aggressive position you’ll have the most control over your boat because going over vertical causes most flips.

2. Leaning back pulls you vertical

Step Three: The most misunderstood part of bow stalling is your body positioning. When you lean back your kayak is actually pulled more vertically and when you lean forward your kayak flattens out. Although it may feel unnatural to go against this it is essential for the move. When you lean forward you can also push down with both blades to help flatten your boat out. When you lean back you can pull on both blades to help pull the boat more vertically. Once you’ve mastered these body leans without thinking about them, you’ll be bow stalling for hours.

3. Leaning foward flattens you out