Paddling Skeletons on supracer.com

[deepmud]

I'm not so sure of the technique in the "elite" skeleton - to me, it looks like it's pulling waaayyyy past the feet. It's much better than the "novice" - but it doesn't look like most novices I've seen - they use their arms - a lot - basically pulling themselves along with their bicep. If the novice isn't shown correctly - is the elite?

http://www.supracer.com/skeletons-paddleboarding-stroke-technique-video/

Erik

[burchas]

Although it's not as clear as it could be, the elite is putting downward pressure
using top arm, body weight and core. There is certain rotation at the beginning of the stroke,
this is where the pulling is taking place.

IMO the movement and sequencing of the elite is off.

[pdxmike]

I think you're both right, it may not be a perfect depiction for either, but seeing both side by side (and in both front and side views) so you can look back and forth to compare is great, especially for showing the general principle of involving your whole body.  Elite paddler may be hampered by lack of core muscles. 

[TallDude]

Maybe I'm just not seeing it, but I'm more like the taller one.

[deepmud]

I went to the Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/WaterBasedResearchUnit/

They used a SUP Ergo exercise machine and tracked the joints of a real paddler - so it's not as "exact" as a real SUP - I think that might be the reason for pushing way past the feet - no penalty in the efficiency-loss of the paddle angle, he's pulling on a rope.

Still - interesting.