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Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 26 May 2019, 09:08
by Wizaed1
I'm always looking at how to improve safety and came across this vid on good paddle technique.

It would be fair to say I learnt a lot from it as I have been using my arms too much which could be a fatigue (safety) problem if the Hobie MirageDrive failed.

https://youtu.be/XCyikqdIhmY

Re: Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 26 May 2019, 09:59
by outback paul
Thanks David, some very useful information there :up:

Re: Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 26 May 2019, 10:47
by cheaterparts
it's also harder to get an efficient stroke as the kayak gets wider

something else that will improve you stroke is use a wing blade for a while as a training tool they are far less forgiving than a flat ( euro ) blade to a poor stroke
so force you to use and effective stroke

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWINyzTGJxc


and none of this mentions leg drive

Re: Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 26 May 2019, 12:34
by peatop
It's been a while since I've used a paddle for kayaking however i do still use the one supplied with the PA, after watching the first video it made me wonder how i paddled in my old maverick :shock: , then watching Cheaters video it was amazing how the wind blade made the people's paddle style change so quickly, great videos guys :up:

Re: Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 26 May 2019, 12:49
by laneends
To be honest in a hobie, its not forward paddling technique that is going to be the issue, its getting it to go in a straight line without being able to hold the rudder. Its is worth considering a back up plan for wedging the steering handle so that it at least can be used as a make shift skeg to keep you straight.

I doubt very few kayak fishos have good paddle technique as it very much a secondary consideration simply to get you from A to B. Its a whole new sport in itself, especially if you do away with the rudder and have to you use control strokes.

Re: Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 26 May 2019, 13:07
by laneends
cheaterparts wrote:it's also harder to get an efficient stroke as the kayak gets wider

something else that will improve you stroke is use a wing blade for a while as a training tool they are far less forgiving than a flat ( euro ) blade to a poor stroke
so force you to use and effective stroke

and none of this mentions leg drive
Wing blades is an expensive practice tool for your average fisho

Leg drive is also hard in an average fishing kayak with poor/nil foot braces. But quite right if you get serious about paddling sturdy leg pegs are essential. If you are doing it right then your legs should be getting a good workout. After a good training session my legs ache more than my arms

Re: Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 26 May 2019, 13:11
by laneends
Just watched it without sound, but first impression is he is wasting too much time and energy on stroke follow through. There is no power once the blade is by your hips and paddle starts to trail. Cut the stroke shorter then you are onto the next stroke, so you are upping your paddle rate for less effort.Only reason to let the paddle go behind you is for adding a measure of steering.

This a good tutorial for straight paddle strokes, though no mention of control/steering strokes


Re: Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 26 May 2019, 13:43
by cheaterparts
peatop wrote:It's been a while since I've used a paddle for kayaking however i do still use the one supplied with the PA, after watching the first video it made me wonder how i paddled in my old maverick :shock: , then watching Cheaters video it was amazing how the wind blade made the people's paddle style change so quickly, great videos guys :up:
if you tried a wing blade the first thing you notice the blade is unstable if you dont move it away from the kayak through the stroke and in saying that it makes you rotate your core to do this
also if you dont get the paddle out at the end of the stroke it will try to tip you out
and they do take a bit of getting use to
laneends wrote: Wing blades is an expensive practice tool for your average fisho
wings can be pricey but quite often can be found cheaper in the SH market -
laneends wrote:
I doubt very few kayak fishos have good paddle technique ---- Its a whole new sport in itself, especially if you do away with the rudder and have to you use control strokes.
after doing just a few Marathons 2 at 13 ks and one at 19 even with a rudder it is a whole different ball game to paddling a fishing kayak on a fishing trip even off shore

Re: Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 26 May 2019, 16:34
by Steve_R
cheaterparts wrote:it's also harder to get an efficient stroke as the kayak gets wider

and none of this mentions leg drive
Or hip motion. After paddling regular kayaks and fishing from a Hobie, the change to a paddle SOT takes some getting used to and the occasional intemperate word escapes.

This one demonstrates leg and hip motion well:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lef_ut8n0ms


Re: Do you have good paddle technique?

Posted: 28 May 2019, 10:43
by Jordo
Yes I do. I have put a lot of time and Ks into developing it. Most kayak fisherman aren't willing to invest that much time and effort into their stroke. I would absolutely reccommend it as it opens up a lot of kayak fishing opportunities.