how deep to paddle

[DavidJohn]

Here ya go...Today I did a little film of my technique and put it on YouTube..

I've been paddling for a couple of years now and have developed a technique that works for me.

I use a home made paddle..Aluminium shaft with plastic blade..and no offset on the blade.

I have no idea if I am doing it right or wrong..This shows my flat water cruising technique.

I'm a lanky 6'4" with long arms from more than 30 years of windsurfing..(I'm now 50 years old).

Please feel free to comment..Click here for my YouTube vid...

DJ

[srfnff]

One of the cool things about SUPing at this stage of development is that there probably isn't any one "best" paddling technique that works for everyone...yet. Lot's of people are working together independently to come up with ideas and techniques that work, and then share what they've learned.

For the last four or five weeks my trapezius muscles (especially on the left side) were really sore and didn't seem to want to get better. I figured I was putting too much strain on that muscle group and that the reason was my paddling technique. So I started researching paddling techniques, reading this thread and doing internet searches looking for answers and info.

I have two paddles, a 81" Kialoa Kole (9" blade) and an 82" Infinity "surfing" paddle (6.5" blade). I have been using the Infinity for the technique research.

I came up with a method that has taken a lot of the load off my traps and has made it easier to paddle in a straight line too. I do this by rotating my hips toward the side I am paddling on while keeping my top hand and bottom hand aligned or "stacked". This automatically makes the paddle shaft vertical and puts the blade at a 35 to 45 degree angle facing the rail. I use a short stroke, high repetition cadence for dead stop to rapid acceleration. I use a deeper stroke with more blade in the water and a longer cadence for "cruising." I've also found that I have a favored side to paddle on that feels more comfortable and secure. I'm also practicing drawing the stroke in a straight line next to the rail and developing "muscle memory" for better straight line efficiency. My left side is my friend, my right side is a rebellious teenager who doesn't want to do what I tell him to.

I'm 5'9" and weigh 150 pounds. The twist and stroke method has caused me to bend my knees more and pay more attention to my balance. Consequently I'm using my quads, gluts and thigh muscles more than before. This adjustment in technique has led to muscle soreness similar to when I first started SUPing which surprised me a bit. Another interesting side effect of this change is that I watch how people are paddling much more closely now than before.

I don't claim any of this to be original. It's really just a compilation of what I've read from you all and researched and tried. But it does seem to work better than my previous technique although it does take some getting used to, and practice.

[DavidJohn]

Thanks srfnff...For those like me who don't know what the trapezius muscles are.. ..here's a pic.



It's interesting that your paddles are 12" and 13" above your height..The same as mine 'exactly'..with my shorter one for the surf.

DJ

[srfnff]

Thanks for the illustration JohnDavid, that was a good call. It's interesting to note how the muscle is covered at one point by the shoulder blade (scapula). This is a tough spot to get too if the inflammation is there. If prevention is worth a pound of cure then good technique probably has some longterm value other than just efficiency in paddling.

[linter]

hey gary:

i see on the infinity site that steve recommends paddle length of 10" over paddler's height.  at 82", yours is, i think, 12" over your height.  is that a personal preference and if so what are the advantages, do you think?

[srfnff]

linter
When I ordered my paddle I asked Steve about the length. He said that he didn't think 11" or 12" would negatively affect my paddling, especially since I told him I have the Kialoa at 81". I had a benchmark in the Kialoa so I pretty much knew what to expect.

I've practiced using a narrower grip as if I had a smaller paddle but I always feel more comfortable with the longer length. I suppose it does all boil down to personal preference, so if the shaft is too long for your preference you can always cut it down and glue on a new handle.

[DavidJohn]

I'm 6'4' and my paddle is 88" long (13" over head hight)..and have a slightly shorter one for surf.

I've been making my own paddles because nothing else was available localy..and because it's so cheap for me to do it..I'm just trying to work things out for myself because no one else here knows what's best.

I've tried different lengths..and different blade shapes..even made an adjustable one for friends to use and me to experiment with...An inch or two too long or too short is very obviously not good and feels bad.

I'm no expert about all this but I figure that your lower arm should be almost straight as you swing through the paddling ark and the blade needs to be fully dipped (without bending over)..that gives two out of three points on the paddle..the third point being the top hand..and the longer the distance between the lower hand point and blade the longer the top half has to be..IMO..or what feels best..and using a paddle that you can adjust helps you find the best length.

It's been really buging me when I see many paddle sites that say your paddle should be 6"-8" over head height...Jeeez..I'd be paddling like the Hunchback from Notre Dame.. ..Imagine cutting down your new carbon fiber paddle the their recommended length and finding it way too short..Sheesh...I'd be really pissed off.

Here's a couple of pics of my paddle experiments for those interested...and it'd be great to hear from other hear that really know their stuff.

DJ

[stoneaxe]

DJ,

Everytime I look at your paddles I appreciate them more and more. Easy, simple, very functional and most of all easily affordable. The adjustable one you show should be something that everyone with opposable thumbs should build for themselves 1st. Use it to figure out what lengths you prefer and then its great to have around if a friend stops by. They can use it regardless of their size. The easy ability to try different blade shapes is cool too.

[PonoBill]

I do think a lot of people wind up with paddles that are too short. If you want to be able to paddle straight you need to have the blade under the board and the shaft running along the rail--not the blade. Not only will this let you paddle straight without switching sides, but you also won't bash your rails up--even if they are not taped. It's the blade that does the damage--the shaft is relatively harmless.

[PonoBill]

I did a video on this topic about a month ago--how to paddle straight. Here's the link: http://www.ponohouse.com/ponoblog/2007/11/27/new-video-how-to-paddle-straight/  I should probably publish this in www.kenalu.com, or do a new and better version once I get to Maui.

I have built a bunch of camera mounts for boards for the upcoming board test, and I'm going to outfit one of my Hobie Adventure Island trimarans with a tall boom to do jib shots and swing and pan stuff. I should be able to get some good stuff.

I still need a couple of experts for the test. Anyone plan to be on Maui on Feb 15th?

[DavidJohn]

While doing that little YouTube vid I tried to post it in slow-mo to make it easier for guys like WindJunkie and any other experts to comment on technique..But I couldn't get the slow-mo thing working.

In the process I did manage to get some still frames from the vid...These might make it easier to check tecnique..btw..I don't claim to be able to do it right..but I would like to know what is best and work on that.

Here's four stills from one stroke...Any like to comment?.......and PonoBill...I'm looking forward to your next vid.

DJ

[Admin]

Hi David,

Nice to see it in stills like that.  Really shows off the upper hand push and the pivot at the lower hand.  I know that some of the distance guys even open their upper hand fingers and just use the butt of the palm through the "punch" section of the stroke.  Say it reduces wrist and forearm fatigue. 

Thanks for the post!

[snappy]

Hi Davidjohn I understand you like to make your own paddles but you dont know what your missing with a well designed paddle.I've just purchased a surftech laird paddle and am stocked with the power out of the blocks.
I surf on a reef break quite often and the waves rear up in a very short space giving you little time to pick up speed and this is where this paddle exceeds.My mates who longboard surf with me even commented about the acceleration of the board out of the blocks with this paddle and also with the kick in this paddle there is virtually no splash at all bearing in mind we are trying to plant the paddle and push ourselves past it not drag it through the water.
I also did a test when I paddle in the lake for exercise after work and took note where I turned around to come back after half an hour of paddling and noted that with my new paddle I was 50metres further away from home.That alone was good but the acceleration in the surf when catching a wave was the win for me.Paddling on flat water it doe'snt matter but in the surf getting in the right position is critical.If you miss a wave it can mean being crunched by the following set wave.
The swell has just arrived here from the big low of the Queensland coast and beleive me you really need confidence in your paddle when the swell gets over 6ft and the water surface gets messed up with a new swell.I only stayed out for a couple of waves due to the sloppy conditions but  I could not have caught these boomers with an inferior paddle.
Give yourself a christmas present and you won't  look back.I am not saying the Laird is any better than the C4 or the Kialoa but with the feedback these manufacturers get they have to do a better job than us, so unless we copy exactly they will always be better.
I have two other paddles, a  carbon fibre copy of a C4 and a fibreglass and wood paddle I got with one of my boards so I've had good experience with good copies and they dont come close under pressure.
Cheers.

[DavidJohn]

Thanks Admin...I had a huge paddle today..Beautiful day down under but a bit too hot..41C (106F)...anyway...I gave the open finger thing a try..It works great..I found that hooking the thumb under the T grip still holds the paddle in place when swinging the paddle forward..I could feel it relaxing the hand and forearm muscles.

Snappy...Thanks for the advise on the paddles..I really don't have anything against getting one..I just think the 500+ dollars (Aussie $) is a bit steep..One day soon I'll lash out and buy myself one.

I still think there should be more cheaper options for newbies getting into the sport..and I don't see why C4 or Werner don't do a molded plastic copy of their great paddles for those who can't afford carbon fiber and like to use their paddle for balance and even push off rocks with it etc.

I'm getting ready for a big night tonight (New Years eve)..and at what better place than at the 'Stoke House'...Right on the beach here at St Kilda..with a stage for the band build on the sand...

Happy New Years everyone.

DJ





 

[snappy]

All the best for new year Davidjohn and every one else on the forum.
St Kilda hey, grab Warney for a paddle and we'l all be famous and he'l loose some kilo's in the process.Happy paddling.
Cheers.