Hobie kayak

1- Garmin native "Kayak" app is useless because it doesn't include stroke data. It's basically a renamed "other" app. 

2- The workaround to count strokes while kayaking is to use the "SUP" app. After saved I change the activity to "Paddling" in the GC phone app to change the annoying pace graph to speed graph. This way it keeps the stroke data  

3- To count strokes the watch must be in your wrist (or in your paddle). If you are using a pedal kayak you can try attaching the watch to your leg or something moving like the pedals itself. You might need a HRM chest strap to keep track of your HR.

4- A nice option is to use "Bike" app and buy a cadence sensor to attach to the kayak pedals. I believe it will work. There are also some Kayak apps in the IQ store that can work with external cadence sensors.