ok hoping i can get some tips on paddling (surf SUP)
firstly i have read, searched, u tubed, watched others, watched vids on paddling technique.
note i find most tips on technique is regarding racing, ie long paddles, longer stroke. surf stroke is more short paddles, long reach but stop stroke short at feet.
So when paddling around i try and concentrate on bending at hips, bending knees, crunching abs, reaching as far forward as poss, stroke to feet only, try not to use arms. now i know when i am paddling onto waves technique prob goes a out the window, here lies problem.
I find i get super tricep pump, and one side down the long part of tri it hurts and burns after. think i have damaged it somewhat and going to go see someone bout it. this is my top arm when paddlign into waves.
I have found recently if i keep my top elbow up, as in horizontal to hand and top of paddle seems to use arm less, in fact i think i am using arms a lot less in general now i concentrate more, just need to get rid of the damage i did.
BUT thought i would bring it up as if anyone has tips for paddlign technique we can all benefit from then hey that's what forums are for yeh?
blurt away.

Here's my blurt:

I watched a video once about paddling technique - by a Hawaiian super paddling dude who taught that you should bend your top arm (with a straight lower arm) to get more forward reach and then straighten the top arm (push your top hand forward) using your lower arm as a fulcrum. That will use your triceps big time.

Since then I seen other paddling experts teach that you keep both arms straight - you are supposed to use your body weight as you push the paddle down and your torso to pull the paddle through the water (or pull your board past the paddle) - use your big muscles. While that still uses the triceps, they don't get nearly the workout.

So that may ease the tricep pain.

Watch plenty of danny ching and travis grant vids.a little tip i learnt from martial arts , put your mind on your centre just below yr belly button when paddling , really helps with balance.

My advice is to learn the Tahitian canoe paddling technique. All of us naturally use the Hawaiian technique, but training to use the Tahitian technique will bring variety your repertoire, and is especially useful for Short SUPs, as it greatly reduce the row because the shaft stays in a vertical plane. With some practice you can even easily generates counter-row (turning right by paddling on the right).

Google the tutorials: www.google.fr/search?q=tahitian+hawaian+paddling+techniqu

I first read about it on Dave Kalama blog, THE must read for paddling techniques: www.davidkalama.com/paddle-techniques-recover/

And the best tips, are in www.ocpaddler.com/forum/2009/how_paddle_fast
- dig the paddle deep without a splash
- think of the paddle stuck in the sand and hauling the hips frontwards, rather than pulling the paddle back like "flapping a wing"
- all the power comes from the first foot of travel (on sub 7' boards however, I lengthen the stroke to exert a constant pressure for a long stroke, ~ 3'), steering the board along the stroke, with quick recovery, as the board do not carry speed between strokes)

One of the best technique I have seen is the stroke of Olivia Piana: quick and compact:

cheers guys,
Colas thanks heaps, some good watches and reads. over weekend i was focusing more on short strokes and what Dave says "as soon as power on, its off" i.e. quick burst.
tricep no pain, core yes, win!
how good is Olivia's stroke!