novice wrote:
ANd the only force on the paddle is the rotation of your torso? You
dont use your arm muscles? I know that your right arm is straight when
paddling on the right side but does the left arm start off bent as you
spear the water and then straightens out by pushing the paddle forward
as the right arm moves backwards? or are both the right and left arms
straight as you spear the water and both arms rotate together as torso
rotates.( im only talking about the stroke that occurs on right side of
boat.) thnaks for indulging me.

I'm still just starting to learn this fast, tippy boat stuff, but here
are a few of the things that I've learned so far from some paddlers far
better than I. This info applies best to a wing paddle, and a boat like
a CD Stratus, Epic 18, racing surf ski, or New Zealand style multisport
boat.
Google some of the videos from K1 races, Speights, Gold Rush, or any of
the South African races.
- keeping your arms straight is a great drill to encourage using your
torso muscles, but that's all - a drill.
-Starting position is with your right arm extended and the blade about
even with your toes. That means that your torso is rotated to the left
in order to get your right shoulder forward and your left arm is bent
with your hand somewhere around your left ear.
-As the blade enters the water, your torso starts to rotate a bit and
your left hand should be pushing across fairly level, and at eye level.
-Once your left hand gets to your breastbone, your left hand should
pretty much stay there and your torso rotates firmly to complete the
stroke. At the same time, your right elbow will bend naturally to lift
the paddle back up to your ear.
-There should be a slight hesitation at this point, before starting the
next stroke.

The paddle should track from very near the deck at insertion to about a
foot-18" (30-40cm) out from the hull at takeout.

You'll find that your top hand drops and cadence should increase as the
conditions deteriorate,

Marsh Jones
Minnesota