Proper paddling technique can enhance your paddling experience. The major muscles used when using proper technique is your core muscles; the lateral and stomach muscles. These muscles are larger and fatigue less over long distances.
A twisting action is adopted. Hold your paddle slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Raise your paddle and twist to the side, your arm should be across your body and your hand in front of your face, arms are straight. The shaft of your paddle should be almost at a 90 degree angle, with the blade pointing downwards and as far forward as you can reach. Touch the tip of the blade in the water and fully submerge the blade, while bending your elbow, pull the blade back in the same motion. This action pulls a large volume of water. You should hear no splash; a splash indicates that your blade is not as far forward as possible at the beginning of your stroke. The muscles used to pull the blade through the water should be down the side of your body and your stomach muscles. NOT your biceps.
Have a practise before to get onto the water:
• Hold your paddle slightly wider than your shoulders.
• Twist your torso.
• Reach the paddle as far forward as possible and fully submerge your blade through your stroke.
• Use your lateral and abdominal muscles to pull the paddle through the water, bending your elbow with a pulling action.
This technique if used correctly can help you go faster with less rotational strokes and less effort. The larger lateral and abdominal muscles used, helps pull more water with less fatigue, than if you only used your biceps. Do not forget to twist your torso as you pull the paddle through the water, this is the key for more power. Gliding through the water using this action, pulls the craft faster and is a great cardio abdominal burner. The six pack you always dreamed about is within your grasp!

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