I have been paddling for over a month now and realised a few nights ago that the paddling technique I used was not correct.
I went for a paddle today and tried the correct
technique (using the fulcrum approach keeping the lower had almost straight and pushing only with the top arm). However I noticed that almost every other paddler used the technique I previously used (I.e pushing back with both arms). Which technique is correct ?
It isn't very clear from your description, but it doesn't sound to me like either of the methods you describe is current accepted wisdom. Read Larry Cain's blog on SUP technique in detail, and check out his paddle technique videos.
Paddle technique has come a long way in the past few years..
IMO the second vid is excellent..
The first vid is pretty old and outdated .. and it should be in black and white.. .. [nothing against Tod]
The hardest thing to get is definitely that concept of you pulling the board forwards and not pulling the paddle back - this has so much to do with 'feel for the water' which takes years i'd say to nail down...I've had some fleeting moments of this, maybe one or two strokes every now and then when I go WOW!!! that's what it should feel like! Time slows down, rainbows appear and everything feels easy!
"Slow is smooth and smooth is fast."
As a physio i'm a big fan of looking at technique on video - almost instant feedback. I've found myself a great coach in Pete Dorries, who does video which makes life easier!Get someone who know's SUP to video you paddling, pick one 'issue' or thing to change. Watch the video, understand what you are currently doing and why this is not efficient - discuss what it should be and why - then get out on the water and change it!
Interesting post...
So many people ask me what is correct paddle tech? So here is my answer....
I would contact Jacko what he has done for me over the past 2 years in the gym and tech is great. No one has ever come close to his Strength Program and i know i as have had a different coaches over the last 6 years.
I spend a large amount of this 3 months phase in the gym with Jacko as my Strength Coach. He makes me work on Power to Body Weight Ratio!! It all about working out your weak spots and strong spots.
Jacko's now has developed a test that most paddlers would benefit from massively and could save people $$$$ of dollars that could be wasted on Technique when that is not really the issue.
Drills are important but you can do them all day long and never get stronger at paddling.
Tech is only going to get you so far, its all the small other things outside of the water that makes you stronger. A lot of people blame bad stroke tech but there are so many other issues to consider first.
I always see it and hear it from so many sup paddlers - "I just don't get any better or faster" or "Can you teach me correct stroke tech?" However once i get them to come into the gym and the rest is history.
We now have a fully packed Gym every night full of sup paddlers working on their Power To Weight Ratio.
Look at all the top racers in the world, all of them look different in their tech but all have great Power to Weight Ratio!! This is a big reason why so many of the Top females can match a lot of the males.
I love this time of year just Focusing on Slow Tech and Building Strength in the Gym.
Hope this helps
X angie jackson
If you watch the best paddlers , they make it look easy and fluid.one exception Connor Baxter I think he is the Lleyton Hewitt of sup i also think he is setting himself up for injury,long term.every one is different so don't try copy great technique rather see what works for you.like any sport get the fundamentals right and then adapt to suit yr style.biggest thing is stay relaxed.you only have so many petrol tickets economy and efficiency gets you across the line first , in most races anyway.that is unless yr connor baxter and sheer force of will enters he equation.
Some really interesting thoughts in this thread.
Tech is everything.
Think swimming stroke. You can be as strong as a bull - but without technique you will never reach your potential. Some people may still do well but they will never see optimal performance.
Without exception the elite athletes in any sport spend hours of analyses of their tech (run, paddle,'swim, lift etc). Video analysis etc.
Whether sprints or endurance is irrelevant. Again look at 100m run or swim. Even in those super short 10 to 20 or so sec events - tech is critical.
In endurance sport tech is also about economy of movement. Observe how effortless and graceful the top marathoners look. No wasted energy at all.
For the casual paddler tech is about having more fun and avoiding injury.
For the competitive person it's about their individual optimal performance - being the best they can be.
Personally I'm a huge fan of Pete Dorries on the GC. First started travelling up to paddle with him for 1 on 1s from Vic - now with his crew regularly.
Best of luck with your paddling - and if you are on the Goldy tee up a 1 on 1.
How about some comments on surf paddling/paddling into the waves?
Ive been sup'ing in the waves 2-3 times per week this season, and im starting to get the dull ache in the elbows/joints below the bicep.
Im sure its to do with technique, but i have a feeling the paddle im using is a little too big (surface wise) for paddling through heavy currents and 3-4ft waves.
Im locking my elbows and using core muscles..... sometimes just frantically trying to get enough speed to reach the wave before it breaks...
Good stuff, I have been checking out fascia training and the research is very interesting. Basically it places more emphasis on the fascia than muscles in performance, traditional weight training does little to strengthen fascia.Whole body movements and stretching are the go, plus moving very fast.
Agree with all comments on importance of technique and time on water etc.
In the early stages of SUP learning - joining a club or paddling group is also a great way to improve your technique and fitness.
Most clubs (not sure where you are) will have experienced or elite paddlers within the ranks who, from experience, are supportive and generous with their time and advice.
Have fun !
Train movements not individual muscles, the old way of weight training 3x 8 to ten reps at 85 is fine if you want to be a body builder and look good at the beach.Ditch leg day, arm day, back day, it is better to work everything all at once. Any way as a wise man once said their are many paths to the top of mMount Fuji Just have fun while you do it.
I wholeheartedly agree that power to weight is the key for optimum performance provided your paddling technique is sound. Having a sound technique is paramount and I agree that the efficiency of the stroke needs to be addressed before working on strengthening. Its no use strengthening a poor paddle technique.
Look at golfers, they groove their swing until it becomes second nature. The correct golf swing is not a natural action, 95% of golfing hackers cast their swing from the top instead of turning and allowing a late release. Greg Norman was once said words the the effect "10 hours per day, 6 days per week, year after year, perfecting a swing that everyone called the most natural swing in golf".
I am of the opinion that like a golf swing, the correct paddle technique may not be a natural action.
Having said that, a lot of performance sports rely on the power to weight ratio of an athlete, consider the"Tour DE France". The cyclists upper bodies are lean and do not even carry excess skeletal muscle other than that required to perform their cycling task, this is to increase their power to weight ratio. Power to weight can be achieved by increasing power or losing weight, or both.
Try carrying a backpack when paddling with say 5 or 10 kilos in it and your performance will certainly diminish.
Increases in power to weight can be obtained through body weight exercises, strength training or alternative short interval training with added weight (Backpack) as suggested above.
Care must be taken when trying to increase strength so not to over load tendons and joints. which can lead to chronic injuries, cut back on the enthusiasm and gradually increase resistance for strength gains.
I'm not so sure that his techniques at "the catch" is the best i've ever seen. I remember watching a Dave Kalama vid and one of the things that always stuck with me is that if your splashing your own feet when your planting you blade at "the catch" then you haven't buried your blade far enough before you've started to pull on the shaft.
This guy looks like his toes might be getting a bit of a wet.
This is one of the better training vids i've seen.