Reverse Sweep – Kayak

This is a Kayak Turning Stroke: Even though this stroke is shown in a kayak, the concept works reasonably well for all types of paddle powered watercraft from canoes to rafts. Click on the photo to watch a video of the stroke.

Click on the picture to watch the reverse sweep video

Jeremiah 18:5-11
Jeremiah 26:3

Some instances call for drastic action. The reverse sweep turns your boat quickly and slows or stops your forward speed at the same time. In most cases you don’t want to stop your forward momentum when you are doing a turning stroke, but when it is absolutely necessary, the reverse sweep is for you! This method is sometimes called the “turn and burn” method; however, it might be called the “turn or burn” method depending on your theological approach. Either way you look at it, you need to stop going in a bad direction and change your direction. When compared to the backstroke, the focus is in looking and moving forward in a new direction. The advantage of this method over backing away is that you have more strength and can look at where you want to go rather than focusing on what is causing the problem.

At least seven times in Jeremiah alone, the term “turn away” from evil is used. God is telling Israel they are headed for destruction if they don’t make a 180 degree turn and focus on the love of the Lord and mercy and justice for others rather than self satisfaction. Those are hard words that we need to hear today in a world where the culture (and massive marketing efforts) tells us “it’s all about me!” What disasters are you headed for in life? Can you do a quick turn and avoid tragedy and heartache? By keeping your eyes on Christ, you stand a good change of redirecting your life dramatically and confidently progress towards God’s light.

Forward Sweep – Kayak

This is a Kayak Turning Stroke: Even though this stroke is shown in a kayak, the concept works reasonably well for all types of paddle powered watercraft from canoes to rafts. Click on the photo to watch a video of the stroke.

Click on the picture to watch the forward sweep video

Numbers 13:30
Deuteronomy 1:36
Joshua 14:13-14

The Forward Sweep is a correction stroke that works really well when you want to turn your boat and continue your forward speed or even accelerate the boat forward. It provides the most efficient use of harnessing the energy and applying it toward a new goal. The Forward Sweep is generally the preferable approach to turning the boat in contrast to a “negative stroke” which stops your forward momentum. The constant starting and stopping caused by using too many negative strokes for correction requires more effort and tires you quickly because each time the boat must be restarted from a standstill.

It is easy to let a negative approach rule your life. In the story of Israel in the wilderness, the people had the choice to go into the Promised Land…or not. Caleb (and Joshua) understood the positive attitude and action that was needed to go there but the people reacted in fear. They refused to trust God. They didn’t make it into the Promised Land, but Joshua and Caleb celebrated a victory and life there. If Israel had turned and accelerated forward, trusting God along the way, they wouldn’t have gotten caught in the wilderness for 40 years.

Isaiah 14:23 uses a memorable metaphor for some groups, especially teen boys, stating “I will sweep it with the broom of destruction.” The stroke really can stand out in your head if you call the forward sweep the Broom of Destruction. Just by its name the term calls for action, in this case for the forward sweep, it is a positive action that drives the boat towards a new destination. The broom of destruction destroys the apathy in your life. It may seem odd at first that the Broom of Destruction might be used in a positive way but the implied encouragement is that you no longer wait around for things to happen but direct, or redirect, your life in a positive way. If you focus on destroying apathy and become directed toward helping others, your life will be changed and you will likely change the world through the love of God.

Back Stroke – Kayak

This is a Kayak Propulsion Stroke: Even though this stroke is shown in a kayak, the concept works reasonably well for all types of paddle powered watercraft from canoes to rafts. Click on the photo to watch a video of the stroke.

Click on the picture to watch the backstroke video

Gen 9:23
Isaiah 54:10

There are two primary reasons for doing back strokes. The first and probably the best reason is that it is a good way to stop the forward momentum of your boat to avoid dangerous obstacles. The second is to be able to actively back away from danger. For instance, in Florida an alligator might be considered a dangerous obstacle and one that would give you good reason to back away. Like any other stroke, it is necessary to practice paddling backwards which is not easy so many people do not try to do back strokes until needed often with disastrous results. (Steering tip: when paddling backwards, it is best to steer from the bow.)

Sometimes it’s best to go backwards. Just ask Shem and Japheth who backed their way into a room to cover up their naked father. Good plan. Backing into a room might not be the only reason to back away from something. One advantage of backing away from something rather turning and going the other way is so you can keep your eyes on what you are backing away from. The focus of your attention might be an enemy or something dangerous. It might also be someone you care immensely about and don’t want them to leave your sight as you depart their company. Either way, you want to keep your eyes on the object for as long as possible.

But we are not the only ones that might want to back away from something. God also backs away from punishing us if we stop doing bad things. His punishment is intended as a corrective action that is directed by love. Thus, if we back away from the thing that causes us to sin, there is no need for corrective measures. It is comforting to know that even during times when you must back away from something, God’s steadfast love will not leave you but instead give you peace.

Forward Stroke – Kayak

This is a kayak propulsion stroke: Even though this stroke is shown in a kayak, the concept works reasonably well for all types of paddle powered watercraft from canoes to rafts. Click on the photo to watch a video of the stroke.

Click on the picture to watch a video of the forward stroke

Job 17:9
Mark 3:10
Philippians 3:12-14

The most common paddling stroke is the forward stroke which gets the boat started and keeps it moving forward until you reach your goal or need to change direction. You may vary your stroke depending on the circumstances pulling hard for acceleration at times, while other times you may be exerting only a small amount of force on the paddle to move your boat. As with other strokes the key is to anchor the paddle and move the boat past the paddle for maximum effectiveness and efficiency. (See the “Anchor the Blade” post.) With an efficient forward stroke you can start strong and finish well making it to your goal with energy to spare.

Likewise, we need to know how to move forward during good times and bad. Getting started can be one of the toughest things you do each day, especially if you are not a “morning person.” Some people (like me) need a strong cup of coffee to get going. However, once you are up and moving it is usually easier to continue keeping yourself going throughout the day. It is easy to move forward when we see progress and we are well rested and almost seems effortless when you are not facing any controversy or trouble in your life. However, there are often times on our lives when the challenges outweigh the moments that are uncomplicated. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he responds to such a time as this, when the final prize does not seem worth the trouble of continuing the struggle forward and enduring to the end. However, Paul emphasizes the importance of looking ahead toward the goal and encourages the church to continue pressing forward through the challenges of daily life. That was not only good advice for the people of Philippi but people in the current cultural melee so keep the pressure on and moving forward until the glorious end.