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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: shoulder injury
Posted By: Tim Mattson In Response To: shoulder injury (simon)
Date: Friday, 16 July 2004, at 12:52 p.m.
Simon,
I'm really sorry to hear about your shoulder injury.
I highly recommend that you switch to a Greenland paddle. With proper technique, a greenland paddle puts much less strain on your joints. I know an oldtime paddler who once told me that due to years of abuse, he was close to giving up the sport due to shoulder problems. Then he discovered the Greenland paddle and found he could keep paddling.
But you must use proper greenland technique. With an extended paddle stroke, you can generate huge forces and do a lot of damage to your body with a Greenland paddle. If you watch an experienced Greenland paddler doing a classic greenland stroke (i.e. NOT the weird wing-inspired stuff I do), the elbows are low and close to the torso. The shoulder is very well protected.
Regardless of the paddle, you have to stop high bracing. Its better to capsize than to injur a shoulder.
Question: Do you have a dependable roll? I think non-rollers with their well-understood fear of capsizing put them selves at risk. A roller who starts to flip has the option to just flip and roll rather than use a risky high brace.
Good luck in dealing with your shoulder problems. I don't know where you are located geographically, but if you are a Pacific northwest person and want some Greenland paddling pointers, let me know.
--Tim
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