Hello everyone. This is my first post, though I have been reading this forum for about a year. I know there are some very expert paddlers here and I was wondering if you could help me with a doubt that has been puzzling me for some time.
But first of all, since I am new here I though I would introduce myself with some info to help you understand the type of paddler you are talking to. Male, 53 years old, reasonably fit. Have been paddling for 6 years, of which 4 in a traditional sea kayak and 2 in a surfski. I currently paddle an Allwave Genesi, an initiation surfski (520 x 50 cm) with a wing paddle (Epic mid-wing). I am pretty much self-taught. I live near the sea in the south of Spain but there are no paddlers in the area (mine is the only surfski I have ever seen in the area) so I rely on the internet for technique improvement. My technique "bibles" are the "forward stroke clinic" DVD by Bret Reitz and the wonderful ebook "perfecting your technique" by Kevin Brunette. I also watch videos of elite paddlers and, last but not least, have obtained tons of good information from this forum. I had my technique checked a few months ago by Sean Rice who confirmed that I have an overall correct paddling style (I think he was overly generous). I go to the sea almost every day for an 8 to 10 km paddle, I usually cruise at a speed of between 9 to 10 kms and sprint to a top speed of between 13 to 14 kms.
So, the technique question I have for you is: what would be the right top elbow bent? I have read conflicting advice on this topic. Some experts (including Mr. Reitz) recommend keeping the top elbow at about 90 degrees while others (including Mr. Brunette) suggest to keep it just short of straight. It is also clear from watching videos that different athletes have different approaches to this. Olympic sprint paddlers seem to prefer an almost straight arm while at least some surfski pros seem to keep an angle somewhere between 90 and 120 degrees. I have experimented with both extremes and my feeling is that an elbow at 170 degrees results in a more vertical paddle at the catch while possibly sacrificing some forward reach. A 90 degree top elbow, on the other hand, seems to somehow facilitate engaging my core and, maybe, result in a more relaxed paddling style.
Any clarifications / tips on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
But first of all, since I am new here I though I would introduce myself with some info to help you understand the type of paddler you are talking to. Male, 53 years old, reasonably fit. Have been paddling for 6 years, of which 4 in a traditional sea kayak and 2 in a surfski. I currently paddle an Allwave Genesi, an initiation surfski (520 x 50 cm) with a wing paddle (Epic mid-wing). I am pretty much self-taught. I live near the sea in the south of Spain but there are no paddlers in the area (mine is the only surfski I have ever seen in the area) so I rely on the internet for technique improvement. My technique "bibles" are the "forward stroke clinic" DVD by Bret Reitz and the wonderful ebook "perfecting your technique" by Kevin Brunette. I also watch videos of elite paddlers and, last but not least, have obtained tons of good information from this forum. I had my technique checked a few months ago by Sean Rice who confirmed that I have an overall correct paddling style (I think he was overly generous). I go to the sea almost every day for an 8 to 10 km paddle, I usually cruise at a speed of between 9 to 10 kms and sprint to a top speed of between 13 to 14 kms.
So, the technique question I have for you is: what would be the right top elbow bent? I have read conflicting advice on this topic. Some experts (including Mr. Reitz) recommend keeping the top elbow at about 90 degrees while others (including Mr. Brunette) suggest to keep it just short of straight. It is also clear from watching videos that different athletes have different approaches to this. Olympic sprint paddlers seem to prefer an almost straight arm while at least some surfski pros seem to keep an angle somewhere between 90 and 120 degrees. I have experimented with both extremes and my feeling is that an elbow at 170 degrees results in a more vertical paddle at the catch while possibly sacrificing some forward reach. A 90 degree top elbow, on the other hand, seems to somehow facilitate engaging my core and, maybe, result in a more relaxed paddling style.
Any clarifications / tips on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks