[Paddlewise] pull not push?

I just read this on Ray Kill Killen's page. Am I not understanding
something or do I just have it wrong? I've been pushing as well as
pulling the paddle. I mostly use a Greenland. I do the same with a Euero
blade when I use one. I just kind of use the swivel of my torso to push
and pull, about equally. Then I finish the stroke will a pull at the end
of the swivel.
    Why not push? How do I really pull with my upper body? This sounds
like it is all in my arm.

<<The ‘pull’. As the left forearm is drawn back parallel to the water,
the body is turned from the waist, and the boat being pulled toward the
paddle until the left elbow just passes the hip. At this point, the
blade should be just past the cockpit. The object being to push the
water rearward, parallel to the kayak. If you continue too far, the
blade turns toward the stern and pushes the water into it causing it to
turn slightly. As you are pulling with your left arm, you are balancing
the motion by extending your right arm and shoulder forward. You are not
actually pushing with this arm although you must resist the pressure
placed on it and extend it forward smoothly with your wrist straight and
fingers open to avoid cramping. >>

Joan



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