Uneven stoke count left v right

[Ozzy]

Only been out a couple of times ,watched a ton of stroke videos, can't seem to match stroke count on each side. I can paddle forever on my right, but after a couple strokes on my left I am off line. Yes I am right handed. Any tips, what should I focus on?

[spookini]

... watched a ton of stroke videos

I usually clear my browser history after a session like that.   And I never talk about it on the Zone!   

[Bulky]

Not sure if you need any further help after Spook's comment  .  Sorry you asked?

I don't think it's really that big a thing too be bothered with.  Balance is good and I've gotten better with time, but since everytime you switch sides you are losing momentum, not having to do so isn't that big a problem.  I've noticed that being really intentional in stacking my shoulders to make sure the paddle shaft is vertical is helpful, but it sounds like you've examined the technical stuff pretty thoroughly.

Are you paddling on flat water or in any prevailing current, swell or wind conditions?  I have one run I do that, if conditions are a certain way, I paddle the whole way on one side because there the wind and current are constantly correcting me.  Just one stroke on the other side would about swing me like I was rounding a buoy.  In a situation like this, there's no need to stroke equally on each side (and I guess there really isn't a pressing reason otherwise except for stamina and alternating the load on your joints).

[Ozzy]

Flat water, lakes.

[Celeste]

Likely it is because the paddle shaft is more vertical on the right then on the left.  And if you are anything like me, that is because your left shoulder is more flexible they your right, and you can get your left hand farther to the right they you can get your right hand to the left.  

I am so bad about it I though I had not gotten my fin parallel to the centreline of the board, but the asymmetry was not consistent.  

[surfcowboy]

Celeste has it.

It's the angle and you need video to catch it.

|o|   vs   |o\   or   /0|    depending on your "handed-ness".

Aim for both to be the same angle and you'll get it. There are a ton of posts on this if you search. We all think we have an awesome even stroke... and then we record ourselves. (Don't even ask me about how a wave feels vs how it looks on a GoPro.)

[Ozzy]

I figured it had something to do with the shaft being vertical, but how to fix?

[hbsteve]

Surfcowboy has got it right.
Try taking 100 perfect strokes.  During this 100, do not worry about distance and speed.  Just perfect your stroke.
I think this is common.  Practice and pay attention.   You'll get it.

[NoSaltSuper]

Hah, love the typo in the subject.

Dude, how does one get an uneven "stoke"?

Man, I was so stoked, it was just, odd!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Caribsurf]

went on a 6 mile coastline paddle yesterday in the ocean with due east wind and chop.  Paddled north the ENTIRE 3 miles up on the left side and the ENTIRE 3 miles south back on right side.  Truthfully it wasn't a lot of fun and my shoulders were feeling it during the paddle

[Celeste]

I figured it had something to do with the shaft being vertical, but how to fix?

Make sure your shoulders are at least flexible enough to get the shaft vertical without straining.  Do this by pulling your arm straight across your chest at shoulder height.  Gentle pull held for 20 seconds several times, several times a day.  Don't tug to hard and strain something. 

Once your shoulders are flexible enough, then it is just a matter of training muscle memory.  I was told by a sports psychologist that you have to do something 700 times to make it habitual, so practice practice practice.