Forward Stroke Tip

Forward Stroke Tip

This week we went on a private multi-day tour.  There will be no trip review.  However, one subject came up that is worth reviewing - improving a forward stroke.

Everyone had a reasonably good forward stroke.  They had some version of:

    * a wind up
    * a catch
    * a power phase, and
    * an exit

Everyone had some body rotation during the power phase and some degree of transferring power from the paddle through their core to the kayak.  They were continuing to improve these.

However, they shortchanged themselves at least 50% on each stroke.  With so much going right, how could so much go to waste?  Let's look at just 2 simple ways - blade angle and duration of best power.  Today we will review blade angle.  I'll soon add a blog entry about duration of power.

Blade Angle

First is blade angle.  Obviously the blade should be pointed directly across from (perpendicular to) the direction of travel.  However, lets also look at the angle from the top to the bottom of the blade, from the shoulder to the tip.  When your paddle blade is straight up and down, vertical, it provides the most power from your efforts.  When it is either tilted forward or back, it is much less effective.  Most paddlers start the power phase with the paddle blade angled with the tip significantly forward of the shoulder and the shaft of the paddle.  This limits the effectiveness of their stroke.  And, they end their power phase with the blade angled with the tip significantly behind the shaft.  These are horribly wasteful.

How long is your paddle blade nearly vertical?

The catch phase of the stroke is the period during which the blade tip meets the water and then the blade becomes fully immersed.  When the blade is fully immersed, the power phase should begin.  Is your paddle blade nearly vertical at this point?  It should be.  If it isn't, all you have to do is straighten your upper arm before beginning the power phase.  For maximum propulsion, your upper arm should be straight or nearly so - before the power phase begins.

Since we are talking about the catch phase, it is fair to remind that the blade should be fully immersed (all the way up to the shoulder) before the power phase begins.  It should be fully immersed before you pull on it.

Now that the blade is fully immersed, begin the power phase of the stroke, keeping the blade as close to vertical as is comfortable.

In the next blog entry we'll cover the length of the stroke, where it should start and end.