Couple Questions on Technique - lower hand and recovery part of the stroke

[10generation]

lower hand placement – curious how you guys think  about how wide  to  grip the paddle?  Also, I realized this weekend  I was gripping  a bit lower with my right hand vs left  hand, going to put some tape  on the paddle as  a reference point.  Do you change your lower hand position much?

Recovery part of  the stroke –I feather  my blade into the wind but swing it  out to the side before placing it for the  catch.  Played  around with lifting the paddle higher and still feathering on the recovery but bringing the blade forward much closer  to  the board  – was a lot more up and down  body motion and exertion but faster to get back in the  water – curious if  one or the other is  considered  better?

Thanks

[hbsteve]

I practice recovery both ways you described.  About 100 strokes one way, then switch. 
A good way to make sure you aren't lifting the paddle too high, is to lightly drag it across the water's surface.  Just a little higher
is all you need.

[Wetstuff]

tengen... I do the tape routine on all my paddles, and as much as I think I try, my right side is clearly the strongest - to the point I use the left for course corrections. (plus, I 'go right' in the surf) 

I like Robert's, BluePlanet videos.  This Connor Baxter seems a good one...



...in case someone new is looking.



Jim

 

[supthecreek]

Thanks for that video wettie!

Good job Robert and Conner.... nice look at how Conner is constantly evolving as a paddler!