The Flatwater Cartwheel is a move where the paddler links vertical bow and stern pivot turns resembling the spinning of a wheel. Perfecting this move is a great achievement and prepares you for cartwheeling in holes.

Initiate a double pump with some foward speed

Step One: Start with some forward speed and initiate a powerful double pump that pulls your boat vertical. (Somewhere between 50-70 degrees is ideal) Keep your body in a neutral position because leaning too far back will pull you over vertical.

Get vertical on your bow

Step Two: Once vertical there are a few things you need to do. Pull the blade that you used to initiate the move out of the water, turn your head and body to look over your leading shoulder, switch you boat onto it’s other edge with your knees and hips and plant your next blade in the water as a powerful forward sweep stroke. When vertical on the stern keep you body forward in an aggressive position.

Get ready for your stern end

Step Three: Now with you head and body still leading the way it’s time to start all over again. Turn your body aggressively down towards the water, switch edges and plant a backstroke to pull the bow down. Once your bow is down repeat Step Two.