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Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board
Re:More 2 Cents
Posted By: Ian Johnston In Response To: Re: My 2 cents' on paddling technique (lee)
Date: Monday, 15 November 1999, at 2:34 a.m.
When I first started paddling I read everything I could find on the subject. Most books made reference to paddling with the body as opposed to the arms, and although they explained it they never really said how to tell if you were doing it right.
I was aware of this technique so I developed it right from my first paddle and I think that you can safely save that if you haven't felt the "groove", you aren't doing it right. The ease and efficiency of this stroke will leave no doubt in your mind when you have it right. It all comes down to body mechanics again. (Sorry, to much karate!) You are using the stronger better developed torso muscles in the exact way they were meant to operate which means more power and more endurance.
I can always tell when my stroke is as near to perfect as I can get it, because I can hear the hiss of the bow wave and there is no effort to maintain the speed.
I agree with with lee that many paddlers' cadence is too high. This is an indication of arm paddling because your torso won't pivot this fast.
One note of interest was in a recent issue of Outside magazine. (yes, I read that ad loaded, yuppy targeting rag! I read everything!!) The article had to do with the best sport to join in order to target specific muscle groups. Guess who had the best abs? You bet! Paddlers and oarsmen!
So take off your shirts and stand in front of the mirror. Are you doing it right? :o)
Ian
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