20 because they have a wider area of water to aim at . You know when you are successful in the draft because your board starts to feel lighter and easier to paddle . The nose of your board will also dictate the best location . Planing boards with upturned noses love finding this sweet spot , and because of their rocker , they will need to get closer to the board in front ( sometimes it feels that the nose is almost over the tail of the board in front .) Flat water boards , with little or no rocker , will sit further from the tail .
Maintaining a rhythm
Once in position , try always to copy the paddling side of the paddler ahead . When they change sides , you change . Maintain a similar rhythm . This will help you to match the behaviour of the board in front . Also , observe the water around you . If you don ’ t , it ’ s easy to get caught out by waves , fishing lines , or speed boats . If you are in a draft of multiple boards , look ahead to the lead paddler . Watch how they are paddling and use them to predict direction and pace .
If the front of your board strays , you must correct it as soon as possible , or the draft will be lost . Try to predict when the leader will change sides so you don ’ t get caught out . Aim to keep your board ’ s nose pointing at the centre of the tail in front and your board travelling in the same alignment as the one in front .
When you are leading , pick a spot ahead and try and keep a straight line to it . This will make it easier for the paddlers behind . Try to look back now and again ( using your peripheral vision ) to ensure your colleagues are still with you .
Flat water in calm conditions
Drafting is easier on flat water in calm conditions and gets progressively more difficult as conditions deteriorate . Drafting downwind is not worthwhile , as catching bumps might easily take you into the back of someone else .
You can also experiment with drafting at the side of the board in front . There is usually a prominent wave to catch about two-thirds down the length of the leading board . Maintaining your board in the sweet spot requires more skill , and you will find this demands a greater range of paddle strokes .
You can also use your feet to steer the board to keep in the draft . If you are looking to take the board slightly left then move your right foot further to the edge of the board than normal and lift your weight off the left at the same time . The board will track left .
My favourite form of training involves drafting . I ’ ll go out with someone else or a small group , and we ’ ll hit a challenging pace and change the lead every 1 km to share the load . My average speeds are always faster in such sessions , creating a great bonding experience .
Drafting is also an excellent way to undertake interval training . The leader creates the interval through a change of pace , and the rest try to stay in the draft for the duration of the interval .
To summarise , practice drafting whether you race or not . It will improve your technique and your fitness and bond your group . It might also get you out of a life-threatening situation .