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Gboots said..
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 ?

My dad (Pete Dorries) has been coaching in different sports since he was like 17, thats over 20 years experience in technique, strength, endurance training etc.. Technique is EVERYTHING. We have our training group 4 mornings a week and he doesn't just teach everyone the same thing, he helps everyone in areas they need help on, because everyone is different. If you're on the goldy or near, I recommend giving him a call for a private lesson :)

Best of Luck!

Thanks Mini.
Wish I was on the GC. Burleigh Heads my favourite place

G'day Gboots. I have tried to not respond to this but can't let it rest.

Clearly your brand new to the sport and looking for guidance.

Without sounding a smart arse (hopefully) I have a long and extensive background in endurance and ultra endurance events both as an athlete and coach. I was fortunate to be coached by one of the worlds best coaches. He is also one of my good friends. (He is involved at the VIS and coaches both pro and Olympic
level athletes).

He has been my coach and my mentor since
2000.

I do not coach in sup nor own a shop or have any desire to do so.

Mate it's real simple. All paddling sports, swimming, cycling, weightlifting pretty much every sports foundation is tech.

Yes of course other factors come into place. Of
course that's why strength and conditioning work is a part of any athlete looking for maximum benefits/improvements.

However the simple fact is clear. Base or foundation of this type of sport is tech. I don't care what your body weight is, power to weight, etc etc. Simply because if you can't
paddle properly then your never going to achieve optimal level if that is your desire.

In my past I have sort out the assistance of specific swim and run coaches. Simply for tech assistance. These individuals were able to provide me with the assistance to step up to a level I desperately wanted.

So tempting to keep typing and I really should not read these forums because I get frustrated.

Its like the old joke about opinions everyone's got one - if you know what I mean.

As per say swimming - yeah some guys have a weird stroke and still are competitive. But they are not the norm. Look at the greats the world
record holders. They are technically perfect ! Gliding effortless - or so it appears.

One of the challenges of this sport for me was finding someone with a clue. I couldn't get less about petty personality clashes - I just wanted a person who could help me with my paddling and maybe help me get to M2O one day.

A man whose done M2O and is a pro athlete (current) reccomended Dorries. Is he perfect -
don't know and don't care. Does he know paddling and can he get me where I want I believe he can.

Hope to see you on the water and I'm going to try and not read these bloody forums for a while ??

Thanks KTD. Yes I am new and will never be anything but a weekend SUPer (lack of time).
That said I would to start on the right path so that i can get the most out of the sport. It may also help me not get injured.

I appreciate all the comments from everyone.
The whole technique aspect is interesting and to be honest quite logical .
Love this sport. It is a blessing: physically , mentally and spiritually

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Gboots said..
Yes I am new and will never be anything but a weekend SUPer (lack of time).

This is how the addiction starts, "it'll just be something I'll do on weekends to keep fit and stay healthy", before you know it you'll be getting up well and truly before the sun has risen to fit in an extra session for the week and be planning to enter your first race. The first step is admitting you have an addiction.

As a shorter paddler I have noticed the importance of trying to keep a straight (ie as close as possible to 90 degrees). A wide / flatter paddling arc makes it harder to paddle straight .
My current board is 30 inches wide.
I would assume that my next board should remain around the same width or less as a wider board could impact by paddle angle (particularly as I am shorter ) . Is my thinking correct ?
Would an extra inch or two in width make a big difference (e.g a Naish Mana)

standupjournal.com/tips/hold-standup-paddle-speed/