Stability is one of the most common things paddlers worry about when getting started with ocean kayaking. Even experienced kayakers can feel a bit thrown off when switching to a different type of kayak or facing rougher waters than usual. Wobbling side to side or the constant threat of tipping can put a damper on what should be a fun and peaceful time on the water.
Ocean kayaks are built for speed and tracking, which sometimes means a trade-off in stability. The way a kayak sits in the water, how it's loaded, and the paddler's body position all play a part in how easy it is to keep things steady. If you understand the usual causes of these issues, it's a lot easier to fix them and enjoy your time without always thinking you're one wave away from flipping over.
Nordic Kayaks NSW stocks a selection of kayaks and accessories that can help paddlers feel more stable, whether you're out for a relaxed cruise or heading into swells.
Common Stability Issues
Issues with stability often come down to the design of the kayak or how it’s being used. Ocean kayaks are typically narrower to cut through the water smoothly, but that can also make them feel a bit shaky for new paddlers. This shakiness is a mix of what's called primary and secondary stability. Primary stability is how stable the kayak feels when you're just sitting upright in calm water. Secondary stability is how well it handles tipping slightly when you're moving, turning or riding a swell.
Here are some common stability problems you might come across with ocean kayaks:
- Feeling wobbly at rest, especially in calm water
- Struggling to stay balanced while entering or exiting
- Rolling unexpectedly when dealing with small waves or boat wakes
- Feeling like you're always correcting your balance with small movements
- Tipping easily when shifting your weight or turning
Many of these problems aren't faults with the kayak. Often, they're the result of body position, poor tracking, uneven weight distribution, or unfamiliar sea conditions. One paddler’s stable kayak might feel unstable to someone else mainly due to their skill level or body awareness in the boat. For example, someone who tends to sit with a stiff upper body and tight grip on the paddle may feel off balance more often because they’re not responding flexibly to the movement of the water.
Addressing these issues doesn’t always mean replacing your kayak. Sometimes, it’s about tweaking technique, changing how your gear is packed, or recognising how your body movements affect the boat. With small adjustments and some time on the water, stability often improves quicker than expected. But when these changes don’t quite do the job, it might be worth looking at other ways to give yourself some extra help on the water.
Tips For Improving Stability
There’s a lot you can do with your body movements and setup that can make a big difference to how steady your kayak feels. Many paddlers overlook the basic things, thinking they need advanced skills first. In reality, starting with the simple stuff often helps the most.
To get a more stable feel on the water:
1. Keep your posture soft, not stiff. Sit up tall but relaxed, allowing your torso to react to the movement of the water. A locked-up posture makes you more likely to tip.
2. Spread your legs slightly and press your knees gently against the inner sides of the kayak. This creates better contact with the boat and gives you more control.
3. Use your paddle like a tightrope walker uses a pole. Holding it wide and keeping it level reduces tipping and gives you something to lean into when needed.
4. Look where you're going instead of staring at the bow. Your body follows your eyes, so focusing ahead helps you move more naturally.
5. Keep your weight centred. Shifting from one side to the other without thinking it through can result in quick losses of balance.
Some paddlers find that a few sessions focused on drills or corrective exercises near calm shores gives them a noticeable improvement. Practise edging slowly, practise climbing back in, and try slow, steady hip movements. This also builds confidence, which is sometimes half the battle.
Choosing The Right Kayak
Even with good technique, the kayak itself plays a large part. Some are built for racing or performance and require a high level of control. Others are made with more width or flatter hulls to suit paddlers who want stability first. Matching your kayak to your skill level, size and use-case can take the guesswork out of it.
When comparing designs, look out for:
- Hull shape: Flat hulls feel steadier when sitting still, while rounded V-shapes glide faster but may wobble more
- Length: Longer kayaks usually track better but can feel tippy in waves compared to shorter ones
- Cockpit type: Sit-inside kayaks give you more connection with the boat, while sit-on-top models tend to be wider and harder to flip, especially good for beginners
- Volume and weight capacity: Paddlers who are closer to the top end of a kayak’s weight range will likely feel less stable, especially if that weight isn’t spread evenly
If you often feel unstable despite doing everything right, the kayak might just not suit your needs. Whether it’s too narrow, too long, or too responsive for your comfort level, there’s nothing wrong with switching to one that gives you more reassurance on the water.
Using Accessories For Better Stability
Sometimes, the natural design of a kayak can only go so far. If you're still finding it tough to stay upright or just want more peace of mind on the water, there are several accessories that can help improve the situation.
Here are a few gear items worth looking into:
- Stabilisers (or kayak outriggers): These work like training wheels. Attached to each side of the kayak, they give you more balance without changing how the kayak paddles much
- Seat upgrades: Some aftermarket seats offer a lower centre of gravity or more support for your back and sides, helping you stay connected to the kayak
- Paddle leashes and deck lines: These don’t directly affect stability but can make it easier to recover if you do tip or drop gear in rough water
- Kayak skirts or splash decks: A snug skirt can help you stay dry and more stable in sit-inside kayaks, especially in choppy conditions
Accessories should make your kayaking safer, not just easier. If you're regularly paddling in more exposed areas around Sydney where wind and chop come in quickly, it makes sense to add extra gear instead of just hoping for flat water.
Staying Stable In Different Conditions
Conditions on the water can shift quickly, especially along the coast where swells, wind and current changes are common. What feels stable in the morning can feel completely different by midday. Knowing how to adapt makes all the difference.
In choppier water:
- Loosen up. Let your body react naturally to the roll of the waves instead of fighting it
- Keep paddling gently. A few light strokes help you stay engaged with the water and can actually add stability
- Face into larger sets at an angle instead of sideways whenever possible
- Shift slightly forward in your seat when going into the wind so the bow cuts through more evenly
When currents or undertow are stronger than expected, don’t panic. Stay balanced, adjust your posture, and use smooth paddling to make controlled movements. Avoid quick twists or reaching too far with your paddle, as those movements can unbalance you.
Every water type has its quirks. Estuaries are usually calm but sometimes have fast-moving tides underneath. Open ocean swells require more secondary stability. Practising in different local conditions will prepare you for most situations and give you more confidence to respond calmly.
Stable Kayaking Makes For Better Experiences
Ocean kayaking should feel enjoyable, even when the sea is moving around you. Stability problems can make things less fun, but most have fairly straightforward solutions once you understand the source. Whether it’s changing posture, switching boats, or adding gear, improvement is always possible with the right support and practice.
As the spring season rolls into Sydney, it’s a good time to start planning longer paddles with calm winds and warmer water ahead. With the techniques covered here and a bit of trial and error, you can find a setup that finally feels just right and lets you focus more on the scenery and less on trying to stay upright.
Whether you’re new to kayaking or looking to fine-tune your skills, keeping steady on the water can make all the difference. If you're keen on exploring more about improving your experience, take a look at the range of ocean kayaks and accessories available at Nordic Kayaks NSW. With the right tools and knowledge, you can ensure every adventure is as stable and enjoyable as possible.