On 3-Aug-2005, "PG" wrote:

I haven't yet mastered keeping the
sweep paddle on the surface - it keeps on diving, probably because my hip
snap is more of a roll than a snap, and I have to fight the urge to get the
head out of the water first.

Most paddlers who have diving paddle problems in a sweep roll are using
strength rather than technique. Women tend to be better at this, since
they usually have less strength and are more likely to rely on technique.

You have to emphasize sweeping the paddle and not pulling the paddle. You
probably aren't even trying to pull but are doing it instinctively. Since
you're comfortable upside down, try sculling the paddle and emphasize
keeping it at the surface. Then use the scull to bring your body to the
surface. Once you've done this for a while, you should be able to sweep
without the paddle diving - a sweep is just a single scull.

If you have trouble sculling, that's a sign that you need to work on paddle
control. Sculling is the best way to learn that.

Mike