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THE ART OF DRAFTING WHY PADDLERS SHOULD PRACTICE IT
WORDS : ANDY BURROWS PHOTOS : ANDY BURROWS , SARAH THORNELY ( SUPJUNKIE . UK ) & ALBERT P . LABORDA
I LOVE DRAFTING . IT IS BOTH A MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGE . IT HAS IMPROVED MY TECHNIQUE AND MY SUP FITNESS AND DEFINITELY HELPED ME ACHIEVE ANY SUCCESS I HAVE ENJOYED IN RACING . ONCE , IT EVEN PLAYED A KEY PART IN HELPING ME ESCAPE FROM A DIFFICULT SITUATION IN THE WATER .
Strangely ( to me ), many of my paddling buddies are less enthusiastic about it . In racing , it is often perceived to be freeloading at best and cheating at worst . In general paddling , it is largely seen as irrelevant .
So , why should paddlers practice drafting ?
Racing
Drafting is an essential skill if you intend to race . It offers the biggest opportunity to finish as high up the field as possible . Why ? Because you can paddle faster and further in someone ’ s draft than you can on your own . In my experience , it lifts my average speed over a 10k race by 0.2 to 0.4 km / hr . This might not seem much , but in terms of places , it is quite meaningful .
You can use the draft like a ‘ step ladder ’ through the field . Always start a race as fast as you can . After 0.5 km , you will feel the effects of an intensive start , so look for someone to draft . Don ’ t leave it too late , or the opportunity will be lost , and you will have a lonely race . Use paddling in the draft to settle down your breathing and heart rate . Get into a rhythm and gather your energy .