The PaddlerUK magazine September 2015 issue 4 | Page 22

PADDLERUK 22

Showing hip pad
We need to use these with a degree of tension
as we plant the paddle we are aiming to pull
ourselves up to the paddle. This brings us onto
our next fundamental: power transfer.

The strength of the stroke (stroke efficiency) is
determined by remaining stable. This means
that the water is left in the water and we
remain upright and in control.

Task 1

Draw stroke only using arm power and try and
move the water.

Task 2

Draw stroke using your core muscles and think
about leaving the water stable and calm.

What differences do you note?

Once we are this stage it is time that we start
developing our feel. We need to learn to work
with the water and not against it. To do this we
need to develop a feel for how the boat /
paddle interact with the water. The paddler
who can do this looks like they are working
together with the water and not fighting it.

Exercises that can help us improve
our feel would be:

Practicing draw strokes with your eyes closed.
Do your reference points (points where you
position your hands/arms/pressure on contact
points) change.

Play time

Take your draw on the move and link it
into a turning stroke such as the bow
rudder.
How does your posture/connections/ power transfer and
feel change?
What do you need to maintain your balance?
What is the chain of events that help you co-ordinate the
movements?
What allows you to get free (agility) to move to the new
position?

Dave Rossetter
Dave is Head of Paddlesports at Glenmore Lodge – Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre. He has been
involved in the development of the new awards and provides expert advice throughout the industry on all things
to do with coaching, safety, leadership and personal paddling. He is passionate about all things paddling and
specialises in white water kayak and open canoe where he will most often be found.

http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk