WHITEWATER KAYAK INSTRUCTIONAL SERIES

How to Macho Move

Simon here, head instructor at the AQ Outdoors Paddling School, and today we’re breaking down how to "Macho Move" in a freestyle kayak, as the most recent installment in our online Whitewater Kayak Instructional Series.

If you’re an advanced kayaker and looking to add a fun, technical wave-train trick to your toolkit, this one’s for you.

With AQ Ambassador and Canadian National Freestyle Kayaking Team member Jordy Monro joining us, we’ll break it down into the essentials: dial in a clean double pump, lock in a solid bow stall, then commit to the throw into the next wave. Let’s get into it.

First up: What is a Macho Move?

A macho move in freestyle kayaking is a dynamic aerial trick where the paddler launches off a wave or feature and throws a powerful, often off-axis rotation—typically initiating a big looping motion with a strong edge set and explosive hip snap—aiming for height, amplitude, and style before landing back in control on the feature. It’s bold, aggressive, and crowd-pleasing, usually linking a clean takeoff with a confident, stompy landing that says, “Yep, I meant to do that.”

Prerequisite Skills

Before you start, you should be comfortable with:

• Bow stalling in flat water
• Working toward a flatwater loop (or confidently progressing in that direction)

Choosing the Right Feature

Location matters. Look for an evenly spaced wave train that’s deep enough to avoid bottoming out. You want predictable spacing so you can link the stall and the throw without fighting random boil chaos.

Step 1: The Double Pump

Time your stroke as you climb the wave. As the boat rises, pull with intention. As you crest, switch blade faces and double pump into a bow stall. The goal is a controlled, repeatable stall, not a rushed lunge.

• Pull as you climb the wave
• Switch blade faces at the top
• Double pump into the bow stall

Step 2: The Throw From the Stall

From the stall, in the trough, it’s time to commit. Stand up, reach for the sky, and throw the loop up the face of the next wave. Think of it as stacking power cleanly rather than muscling it.

• Set up in the trough
• Stand tall and extend upward
• Throw the loop up the next wave face

Step 3: Completing the Loop

Throw the loop slightly downstream so you stay lined up with the wave train. This keeps you straight and reduces the chance of the wave slapping you mid-loop. Spot your line, stay compact, and finish the rotation with control.

• Angle the throw slightly downstream
• Stay aligned with the wave train
• Reduce side-slap and keep the rotation clean

Progression Tips

The macho move will take time. When it starts feeling messy, don’t just “try harder.” Go back to reps that build the pieces cleanly.

• Return to flatwater bow stall reps if your stall isn’t consistent
• Revisit flatwater loop progressions if your throw timing is off
• Dial feature selection: predictable spacing beats “almost perfect” waves
• Prioritize smooth timing over big power

Common Issues

• Rushing the stall: If the stall is unstable, the throw won’t be consistent.
• Throwing too far upstream: You’ll lose alignment and get slapped mid-rotation.
• Wrong wave train: Irregular spacing makes the sequence harder than it needs to be.
• Skipping reps: Flatwater fundamentals make river tricks feel “easy mode.”