Skillset: The 3 Golden Rules

Winter 2008

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Alex Matthews

The “3 Golden Rules” are a set of rules that should be applied to your paddling mechanics regardless of what type of kayaking you intend to do. Adhering to these three basic concepts will give you a great advantage, especially when paddling in tougher conditions. With good mechanics, you will always be in a strong, supple position, which will allow you to paddle smoothly with power, and protect your shoulders too.

#1 Co-operative Division of the Body

The co-operative division of the body refers to the concept of letting your upper and lower bodies work co-operatively yet independently from each other. For example, your upper body may be actively driving your kayak forward, while your lower body holds your boat on edge. Similarly, your boat may rock from edge to edge in choppy water while your upper body stays upright. This co-operative division of work is essential to edging, bracing, rolling and all other advanced paddling techniques.

#2 Maintaining a Power Position with Your Arms

Sea kayaking can expose a paddler to the powerful forces of moving water, and unfortunately injuries can occur. The most common injuries are relatively minor ones like blisters or mild tendinitis, but shoulder dislocation is a serious injury that is all too common in the surf zone. One of the best ways to prevent shoulder injury is to maintain a “power position” with your arms.

The power position simply involves keeping your hands in front of your body. Another way to think of this is that your arms, chest and paddle form a box when you hold your paddle out in front of you, and you should maintain this box when taking any type of stroke. This doesn’t mean that you can’t reach to the back of your boat to take a stroke. But it does mean that in order to do so, you’ll need to rotate your whole upper body so that your hand stays in front of you. This act of rotating the upper body is fittingly named torso rotation. Not only does this keep your shoulders safe, it also lets you harness the most power for your strokes, which is why it’s the third Golden Rule.

#3 Torso Rotation

Your paddle strokes should use much more than just your arm and shoulder muscles. You need to use the power of your whole body. Torso Rotation is the way to get your front and side stomach muscles involved with your strokes. With good rotation, you should be working your latissimus dorsi muscles, or “lats,” too. Using these larger muscles will let you paddle harder, faster and for longer.