On a sea tour, the ability to paddle efficiently though not
especially fast for hours at a time will generally be more useful
than outright sprint speed. An ability to turn on the power for
short spells can certainly be useful, but a relaxed forward stroke
you can keep up is what will get you most of your miles.

Absolutely - and the most neglected or least understood part of coaching,
IME.

Unless taking part in a race of some form speed is, or surely should be a
lesser priority than the ability to paddle steadily over an extended period.
That would apply to any non-competitive paddling, which despite the best
wishes of some in the sport, is the majority of us.

I started out coaching Placid Water, where the emphasis was on racing. I now
do CCK WW and I cannot think of any time where we have really put an
emphasis on speed. I know some coaches like to see everything done at top
speed in the belief that it emphasises moves such as Draw on the Move, but I
have noticed that if the paddler works at the pace he/she is comfortable
with they will actually perform a better stroke which then allows them to
build confidence. In most cases speed is only needed in short bursts IMHO.
It can be disadvantageous to the new paddler to emphasise speed.

Ewan Scott