Paddling Technique |
At FoxWorx, we mostly use bent shaft paddles but the technique is pretty much the
same for straight paddles. The paddle should be perpenticular to the water and
should follow in a straight line with the keel as our son Liam demonstrates in
the photo at the left. The force created will propel the canoe forward in a straight
line. |
Here is the end of the stoke. Liam's hand is at his hip, notice the oblique angle
of the blade, any longer stroke would pull the paddler down, not forward through
the water |
Here is the power phase of the stroke. The blade of the paddle is anchored firmly
and he is pulling himself and the canoe to the paddle. His arms are straight and
the torso is doing the work, and he is pushing down with his upper hand. This
also demontrates proper shaft length his upper hand is at brow height |
Here Liam demonstrates a good solid catch. The paddle is going in the water without
much turbulence and the paddle enters the water almost vertical and he is keeping
his arms straight and turns from his upper legs and torso. |
Canoe |
