How To Kickflip

Introduction

Simon here from AQ Outdoors. Today we’re at the Kananaskis River with Jordy Monroe—AQ and NRS ambassador and member of the Canadian Junior Freestyle Team. We’ll be working through a flatwater-to-dynamic-whitewater kickflip progression.

Kickflips are dynamic, eye-catching, and a playful way to move downriver. They’re easiest in freestyle kayaks, but very attainable in half slices, creek boats, and even slalom boats.

As with all of our instructional videos, we begin with fundamentals before attempting the full move. The kickflip is no different. When the flatwater mechanics are dialled in, the moving-water version becomes far more achievable.

Why Learn the Kickflip?

Before diving into the how, it’s worth touching on the why.

The kickflip isn’t just a flashy trick. It builds edge control, timing, and body awareness—all skills that translate directly to better boat handling in whitewater. It also forces you to link movements together smoothly, which is exactly what dynamic paddling demands.

And yes, it looks great on the river.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, make sure you’re comfortable with the following core skills:

• Strong edge control
• A solid back deck roll
• Comfort in your practice environment
• Double pumps (recommended)

If any of these feel shaky, it’s worth spending some time reinforcing them first. The kickflip builds directly on these foundations, so the stronger they are, the smoother your progression will be.

Choosing a Practice Location

Flatwater

Choose a flatwater practice location that is:

• Sheltered from wind and current
• Deep enough to safely roll
• Calm enough to focus purely on mechanics

This is where you’ll build muscle memory without distractions.

Moving Water

And, choose a whitewater practice location that has:

• A wave train with steep faces and clearly defined troughs
• Enough depth to avoid unwanted contact with the riverbed
• A long, forgiving eddy for easy laps and repetition

A good practice spot lets you reset quickly and try again—because repetition is key here.

Flatwater Progression

Warm-Up

Start with several back deck rolls to establish:

• Smooth transitions
• Rhythm and body positioning
• Consistent paddle placement
• Relaxed movement

This isn’t just a warm-up—it’s rehearsal for what’s coming next.

Double Pump

Next, work on your double pump:

• Pull the bow upward while on edge
• Keep movements controlled and deliberate
• Smaller, slicier boats will make this easier, but the mechanics stay the same

Think of this as loading the spring—you’re setting up the energy that will drive the move.

Double Pump → Back Deck Roll

Now start linking movements:

• Pull the bow up
• Immediately roll toward the same blade

This step bridges the gap between isolated skills and a fluid sequence. It should feel continuous, not segmented.

The Key Technique Change

Here’s where the kickflip separates itself from a standard roll.

Instead of defaulting into a back deck recovery, you’re redirecting that energy into a dynamic, aerial transition.

• Pull the bow up with one blade
• Push down hard on that same blade
• Look at the opposite blade
• Reach outward with the second blade
• Apply pressure to the back face
• Begin your knee drive
• Finish upright

Timing is everything here. Each step flows into the next, and hesitation tends to turn the move back into a roll.

When it works, it feels surprisingly effortless. When it doesn’t—well, you’ll know why pretty quickly.

Moving Water Application

Speed

Approach from upstream with controlled, purposeful speed.

Too slow, and you won’t have the momentum to complete the move. Too fast, and things get chaotic.

Positioning

Aim for the crest of the wave.

This gives you the best combination of support and space to initiate the kickflip.

Timing

Think in a sequence: lift, push, rotate, and drive the knee.

Moving water adds complexity, but the underlying mechanics stay the same. Trust what you built on flatwater.

Common Problems

Rolling Instead of Kickflipping

This usually means you’re reverting to a traditional back deck roll.

• Commit to the second blade
• Drive the knee earlier
• Stay active through the entire motion

Bow Won’t Lift

Almost always a timing issue.

• Practice bow lifts in isolation
• Emphasize edge control
• Slow down the setup

Can’t Reach Second Blade

This often comes down to spacing and head position.

• Create more space with your reach
• Look toward the blade earlier
• Stay open through your torso

Final Tips

• Practice flatwater until it feels automatic
• Choose forgiving, low-consequence locations
• Step back if frustration builds
• Warm up thoroughly
• Expect repetition

Wrapping Up

We hope you found this breakdown engaging, practical, and easy to apply. Big thanks to Jordy for joining us and making it all look far easier than it feels the first few attempts.

Stick with the progression, trust the process, and don’t rush the steps. Before long, you’ll be linking kickflips into your downstream lines with confidence—and maybe even a bit of style.

See you on the water