The following coaching advice has been passed to our racing paddlers over the years by previous Race Captain David Howie, who continues to support anyone interested in racing at the club. All new paddlers will receive similar coaching advice on how to improve their paddling technique and marathon racing skills to enable them to compete.
Introduction
The Importance of Good Technique is key for all paddlers, whether racing or social paddling. Click on the guide below to explore:
- How to use the paddle as an efficient lever.
- The 3 types of lever.
- Mechanical advantages of levers.
Technique
Forward Paddling Technique
The presentation below covers the following aspects of Forward Paddling Technique:
Reasons for adopting good forward paddling technique
- Force production
- Efficiency
- Compatibility
- Potential
Forward paddling technique fundamentals
- Posture
- Connectivity
- Power transfer
- Feel
Forward paddling technique explained and demonstrated
- Recovery after the stroke [i.e. exit and air work]
- The Lock [or ‘the catch’]
- Ballistic action [pull phase]
A lot has been written over the years and published on the internet on forward paddling technique. Below is guidance on various approaches that will help improve your technique, using professionals who have refined their technique over many years.
Explore the Sprint Racing Technique by Alexandr Nikonorov Scientist and former British Olympic coach
The following videos demonstrate and explain the process “manage the paddle”, from the ‘Setup‘, to ‘Lock the blade‘ to ‘Make a pivot‘. The Setup is essential to achieving the pivot point in the top hand. These are followed by videos that show ‘manage the rotation‘ and ‘run the boat‘, to complete the steps required to master a good sprint racing technique. Watch the following videos to learn more.
Manage the rotation [27mins]
- Lock the ‘frame’
- Rotate around the blade
- Drive with the hips
Run the boat [28mins]
- Dynamic catch
- Sequencing
- Rebound from the water
Ivan Lawler’s Forward Paddling Masterclass [72mins] British 3-time Olympian & multiple World Champion in marathon
Now, Ivan knows what he is talking about. Watch this video to learn more about developing your technique. Additional videos below help isolate the focus on learning about each of the areas of focus in paddling.
- Foot drive [additional video on foot drive – 19mins]
- Leg drive [additional video on leg drive – 21mins]
- Trunk [additional video on trunk – 18mins]
- Chest & shoulders [additional video on chest & shoulders – 21mins]
- Top arm [additional video on top arm – 20mins]
- Bottom arm [additional video on bottom arm – 13mins]
Knut Holman’s Technique [2mins] Olympic 1000m Champion Barcelona
An example of good technique executed as part of a race using left handed paddles, so his control hand is on his left. Useful slow motion one minute in.
Tim Brabants’ Technique [4mins] Olympic 1000m Champion Beijing
Another illustration, with more analysis that breaks down the paddle stroke into the four stages – setup, catch, power phase and exit.
REVIEW YOUR TECHNIQUE WITH A COACH
Evaluate your Technique
Reach out to one of our coaches to explore how to improve your forward paddling technique.
Crew Boat Technique
There is a lot to think about and concentrate on when paddling and, inevitably, concentrating on one aspect can cause faults in others, which can be frustrating. If you focus on getting the ‘Catch’ right then many other aspects of good technique will follow.
Paddling in a crew boat complicates matters even further. Ideally, each crew member will have a similar style and technique. It is also essential that each paddler completes the ‘Catch’ at the same time. Failure to do this means that for a part of every stroke, each K2 paddler is taking the full weight of both paddlers and the boat. Completing the ‘Catch’ at the same time results in each paddler only having to take half the weight of the crew and boat on each stroke, with obvious advantages for strength endurance. In general, it is better for the more experienced paddler to be in front, and the taller or heavier paddler to be in the rear.
Checkout the New Zealand Women’s K4 team, practicing their technique and timing before the Rio Olympics. Consider practicing these exercises to improve your technique and timing in a crew boat, ideally when not involved in a timed effort.
EXPLORE
Common Mistakes
EXPLORE
The Perfect Posture
COMING SOON!
Skills & Knowledge
COMING SOON!
Training & Equipment
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