We believe one of the best things you can do to improve your stand up paddleboard racing stroke technique is to be aware of it.
Without fail, the paddlers we see going the fastest are the ones who pay A LOT of attention to their technique.
This video from Red Paddle Co is an excellent overview of improved paddling technique — watch it and see what’s different from your own technique. What single aspect of technique should you pay attention to in your next SUP workout?
One caveat — we don’t recommend stacking the top shoulder quite as severely as Sam Ross does here unless you’re doing it as a drill. This can create some impingement issues in the shoulder. For you more, um, mature paddlers, you want to avoid that exaggeration entirely, even when drilling. For a “working” version of the stroke, see that clips starting at 2:05, where the position of the top shoulder isn’t as exaggerated as in the early part of the video.
Key Points in This Video
- Concentrate on a good catch, burying that blade at the start of the stroke.
- Keep the paddle vertical by stacking the top hand over the bottom hand.
- Ensure the blade comes out at the feet. SUPvelocity note: Some data suggests this may not be as critical as formerly thought, but many experts still agree that it’s a good idea to keep that power out front.
- Once you’re mastered the first three points, you can start to put a little more pressure into the stroke by sinking your weight onto the blade, but you must have a vertical paddle for this to work.
- For more power and torque, try dropping the bottom hand on the paddle.
- Keep the bottom hand relaxed to help provide better reach and prevent cramping.
You should watch as many videos about technique as you can — study them, actually — and see what you can apply to your own style. Every time you paddle, pay attention to one aspect of your paddling technique, with the goal of mastering that one aspect.
Remember, always drill on the basics, no matter how experienced you are!
Connect with Red Paddle Co
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKuUAGjO_yYSMEKwZ1JSE3w
Web: https://redpaddleco.com/en-gb
Sam Ross: www.sam-ross.co.uk
