Articles: Paddling technique

Proper technique starts with a good posture. Sitting upright as if a string is holding you up from your spine is very important as far as posture. This will allow you to have nice rotation. The first thing a tired paddler does is roll their shoulders which leads to a rounded back. Avoid this!!! Secondly, your eyes should be focused ahead just as if you are driving. Once you drop your head, your shoulders and back will follow.

Hold the paddle in your hands with a loose grip like you are holding an egg. It is very common to over grip the paddle especially during a race or a choppy day. If this happens, back off a bit. You should be holding the paddle out in front of your face with straight but relaxed arms. One hand should always be in front of your face. If you drop your arm you will find your arms bent at the elbows and this will lead to wind milling.

The first part of the stroke as  comparable to spearing a fish. Getting the whole blade of the paddle into the water. The paddle should be as close to your boat as possible. Then from this position the paddle will be pulled at an angle of 45 degrees from the boat and will exit at your hips. The stroke may seem short at first but this will allow for a good turnover. Many people bring their paddle straight back and the only way to do this is to bend your arms which is not what you want to do. With proper technique you will find that your arms will be less tired and you will feel your lats and back muscles doing more of the work. A good way to check your stroke is look when your paddle exits the water that your shoulders are parallel to your paddle. This will tell you that you are getting nice rotation.