The Power-Face Reverse Sweep
By Steve Braden

The Power Face Reverse Stroke is an effective turning technique that combines a high-brace turn with a transition to a reverse sweep as the kayak slows. The high-brace position provides good support for a strong, quick, and effective turn that works well in both rough water and surf conditions.

There are often times when you need to get your kayak turned quickly. You can paddle backward on one side of the kayak and then forward on the other, but that approach takes a lot of strokes and time, and it requires shifts in balance that could be especially difficult in rough water.
I discovered an effective turning technique that combines a high-brace turn with a transition to a reverse sweep as the kayak slows. Because the power face is used for the reverse sweep, I call this technique the Power-Face Reverse Sweep. The high-brace position provides good support-even with an extreme lean to make the kayak pivot faster-for a strong, quick, and effective turn that works well in both rough water and surf conditions. I often use the Power-Face Reverse Sweep in surf to make quick turn-arounds, especially if I am trying to get turned around to catch a wave. This stroke is also very useful when I am leading groups or classes, and need to turn around quickly to check on someone.
This technique flows easily and naturally from the high-brace turn. I find that the combination works best if the high brace is initiated well toward the stern. As the kayak slows, tighten your abdominal muscles and rotate your torso to bring the paddle forward through the water (just as you would in performing a standard reverse sweep from a low-brace turn). The difference is that the paddle is held in a high-brace position with the wrists cocked back so that the Power-Face of the blade is used for the sweep.