Most efficient distance paddling stroke?

[photofr]

Disclaimer: I am not fast, but I can paddle all day at 7km/h

One of the things that may help you:
When you are paddling, there are dozens of "tricks" and finer adjustments that you can make. Don't feel bad if in 5 years your technique isn't perfect, but by all means, always seek improvement / efficiency.

When paddling for 2 or 3 hours, I constantly ask myself "could I paddle like this for 4 to 5 hours ?
If this answer is yes, I am doing "something" right, but at the very least, I won't hurt myself at my old age.

Couple of weeks ago, using the same technique, I paddled 34+ kilometers with an average speed of nearly 7km/h (round trip).
After getting home, I had lunch and was able to go back out - with my surfski this time.
(I always seek the stroke that doesn't hurt - if it makes any sense)

[JF808]

stack your shoulders, and you'll naturally have rotation. no need to bend the knee

[PonoBill]

One of the tricks to going long is to relax during recovery. If you're working hard to swing your paddle back into place you never get a rest. I feather the blade on every stroke so it's automatic, and try to keep my upper hand high so I don't have to lift it back into position. I push up with my lower hand and just rest my upper hand on the handle. Push the paddle straight forward, shove the blade in, hesitate, stroke.

I also try to rotate from the hips, not the waist, and concentrate on pushing my upper shoulder in while I'm pulling my lower shoulder away. I get it close to right about one out of fifty strokes.

[SupTrip]

One thing ive found that sort of tricks my whole body into a more relaxed / efficient stroke is to just try to hold the paddle as loosely as i can, i.e. the lightest grip possible.

Im not saying this is pro status advice, buts it is an easy thing to try and very effective (at least for me). Something about barely holding onto the paddle releases all the tension in the rest of my arms and shoulders.

[Zooport]

I'm back from that trip now and found that I paddled the long distances with no trouble at all.  Didn't even get very tired.  I'm sure it was from all of the good advice I got here.  Thanks so much.

[Glowmaster]

Hey Pono

I tried the relax on recovery tip and it worked the balls.  I didn't realize how tense I was on that part of the stroke. Did a near PB of 6 miles in 1:05.  thanks for your wisdom!

ed