A kayak that keeps turning in circles instead of tracking straight is one of the most common frustrations for new paddlers. The good news is that in most cases the cause is straightforward and easy to fix.
Here are 11 reasons why your kayak might be going in circles and what to do about each one.
1. Uneven Paddle Strokes
The most common reason a kayak goes in circles is uneven paddling. If you are consistently putting more force into strokes on one side than the other, the kayak will turn toward the weaker side. This is particularly common when paddlers are tired, distracted, or learning.
The fix is to consciously count strokes on each side and make sure the power and depth of each stroke is consistent. Practising on flat calm water where you can clearly see your tracking helps develop even technique quickly.
2. Paddling on the Wrong Side
In a tandem kayak, paddlers need to paddle on opposite sides — one left, one right — to keep the boat tracking straight. If both paddlers switch to the same side at the same time, the kayak will immediately turn.
In a solo kayak, consistently paddling on one side only will cause a gradual turn. Alternate sides regularly or use a sweep stroke on the dominant side to correct your course.
3. Poor Paddle Technique
A paddle that enters the water at an angle rather than perpendicular to the kayak creates an uneven force that pushes the bow sideways. Similarly, a stroke that sweeps outward rather than moving straight back along the hull will cause the kayak to turn.
Focus on planting the paddle close to the hull and pulling it straight back parallel to the kayak. Keep your grip relaxed and your torso rotation consistent on both sides.
4. You Are Not Centred in the Kayak
If your weight is shifted to one side, the hull will sit lower on that side and the kayak will naturally track toward it. This can happen gradually as you reach for gear, turn to look at something, or simply sit slightly off-centre.
Check your seating position regularly and make sure your weight is distributed evenly across the seat. If you are carrying gear, distribute it evenly on both sides of the hull.
5. Uneven Weight Distribution
Even if you are centred in your seat, heavy gear loaded on one side of the kayak will create an imbalance that causes it to track off course. This is particularly noticeable in lighter recreational kayaks.
Before launching, distribute gear evenly across both sides of the hull and fore and aft. Heavier items should sit low and centred near the middle of the kayak.
6. Wind
Wind is one of the most common external causes of a kayak going in circles. When wind pushes against the side of your kayak, the bow will be pushed downwind and the kayak will gradually turn.
To compensate for a crosswind, paddle slightly harder on the windward side. In strong winds, angle your bow slightly into the wind to maintain a straight course. If the wind becomes too strong to manage, head to shore and wait for conditions to improve.
7. Current or Tide
Water moving laterally across your path will push the hull sideways and cause the kayak to turn, particularly in a sit-on-top kayak with a flat hull that offers little resistance to sideways movement.
In tidal water, check the tide direction and strength before launching. Paddle at an angle into the current to compensate, and plan your route to work with the tide rather than against it where possible.
8. The Kayak Needs a Skeg or Rudder
Some kayaks, particularly longer sea kayaks, have a skeg or rudder specifically to help maintain straight tracking in crosswinds and currents. If yours has one and it is not deployed, deploying it will often immediately resolve a turning problem in exposed conditions.
If your kayak does not have a skeg or rudder and you regularly paddle in windy or tidal conditions, it is worth considering whether a different hull design or the addition of an aftermarket skeg would help.
Read: Skeg vs Rudder: Which Is Better for a Kayak?
9. You Are Not Looking Where You Want To Go
Paddlers naturally steer toward wherever they are looking. If you are looking at your feet, the water beside you, or over your shoulder, your strokes will unconsciously adjust to turn you in that direction.
Keep your eyes focused on a fixed point on the horizon directly ahead. Pick a landmark — a tree, a rock, a buoy — and paddle toward it. Your tracking will improve immediately.
10. The Paddle Is the Wrong Length or Type
A paddle that is too long makes it difficult to keep strokes close to the hull, causing the blade to sweep outward and push the bow sideways. A paddle that is asymmetrical or damaged may create uneven force in the water.
Check that your paddle is the correct length for your height and kayak width. As a basic guide, the blade should enter the water at around a 45-degree angle with your arms comfortably extended. If your elbows are flaring out to get the blade in the water, the paddle is likely too long.
11. The Kayak Hull Design
Some kayaks are simply harder to track straight than others. Short, wide recreational kayaks with flat hulls are designed for stability rather than tracking, and will turn more easily than longer touring kayaks with a more pronounced rocker profile.
If you consistently struggle to paddle in a straight line despite good technique and even loading, the hull design of your kayak may be a contributing factor. Longer kayaks with a pronounced keel line track significantly better in open water. A skeg or rudder can also help compensate for a hull that is prone to turning.
Read: Are Flat Bottom Kayaks More Stable?
Final Thoughts
In most cases, a kayak that goes in circles can be fixed with a simple adjustment — either to your paddling technique, your weight distribution, or how you are compensating for wind and current. If the problem persists despite good technique and balanced loading, it is worth considering whether your kayak hull design is suited to the conditions you paddle in.
For more paddling tips, read our guides on why your kayak is unstable and are flat bottom kayaks more stable.