The Stern Stall is a move where the paddler balances their kayak vertically on its stern end. Most paddlers find this move more difficult to learn than the bow stall but the concept is the same.

Step One: Just like the bow stall you need to be able to get your boat vertical only this time on the stern. There are two ways of doing this: you can stern squirt into a stern stall or you can use a reverse double pump. Although maybe not the easier of the two, using a reverse double pump will provide you with the most control and once your good at it is a much more reliable way of getting into the stall.

1. Either double pump or stern squirt to vertical on your stern

Step Two: As you reach vertical use your paddle to stop your boat and look up at the sky. Put both of your paddle blades behind your head and lay back so your back is touching the water. From this position your ready to control what happens to your boat and can use your paddle blades to stop you from falling side to side. (A paddle with an offset of 0-30 degrees will make this easier)

2. Leaning foward pulls you vertical

Step Three: Just like the bow stall the opposite of what you think will happen is what happens. When you lean forward your kayak is actually pulled more vertically and when you lean back you kayak wants to flatten out. Mastering these body leans without thinking is vital to your success and will take lots of time to learn.

3. Leaning back flattens you out

Advanced Tip: Once you can stern stall try moving your paddle over your chest and stalling. This is much more difficult because you don’t have your paddle blades in the water to help control the angle of your boat. Instead your forced to rely on your body movements. This is a good skill to learn for river running so your arms aren’t exposed when recovering from an accidental stern stall.