Techniques
ENGINE TUNE-UP
DIAGNOSING AND ADJUSTING YOUR FORWARD STROKE FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
The forward stroke is a kayak’s engine. Good form and a good paddle will create a powerful stroke to motor the angler out to the fish. Let’s look at the components of making an efficient and powerful for- ward stroke.
Get a Grip: Start with hand placement. Make sure your hands are shoulder width apart with your paddle centered. Your grip should be light. First, make the okay sign around the shaft with your first finger and thumb. Then let the other fingers fold lightly around the shaft. No need for a white-knuckle, kung fu death grip.
Sit Straight: Good paddling form is enhanced by good posture. Hold your shoulders back, drop your shoulder blades and press your butt against the seat to create more torque and produce more power.
Do the Twist: Let’s start with the right-hand stroke. Imagine a clock face where midnight is straight ahead and six o’clock is straight back. Rotate your torso so your right shoulder is at 1 o’clock. Extend your right arm and right paddle blade. Rotating engages your core torso muscles, producing a more powerful and less tiring stroke.
1] Sit straight with back, butt and hips solidly planted. Grip the paddle lightly with hands shoulder-width apart.
2] Rotate your body and catch the water with the blade even with your foot.
3] Insert the blade completely into the water, then pull the kayak through the water by uncoiling your body.
The Catch: With the upper body corkscrewed and the paddle extended, place your blade all the way into the water at a point even with your right foot. A good catch requires completely submerging the blade be- fore you apply pressure to the shaft.
The Pull: Now, think about pulling the kayak for- ward, not pulling the paddle blade back. Proper seat position and foot placement will provide leverage to engage the abdominals and lateral torso muscles. The blade stays static in the water while your body pulls the kayak ahead.
The Release: When the kayak is pulled forward so that your hip is even with the paddle blade, lift the blade out of the water while rotating your left shoul- der towards midnight. Move the left blade towards the left foot and set up for the catch. Moving the paddle blade past the hip will create drag and slow or turn the kayak.
Your arms will stay fairly straight through the for- ward stroke. The only bend will occur when the blade is released from the water at the hip. Remember, the upper body does most of the work with the arms act- ing like levers. —Jeff Herman
your hip, twist towards the opposite side and insert the other blade in the water.
4] Release the blade at
This Technique article first appeared in the Spring 2013 issue of Kayak Angler. Read more technique articles by visiting Rapid Media online.
www.rapidmedia.com 35
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