[Paddlewise] Slowpokes (not so) Anonymous

In a message dated 1/30/01 10:11:46 AM, teitelba_at_post.tau.ac.il writes:

<< But I am slow, and this usually results in our group getting very strung 
out on 
our long, group paddles.  And I don't like being the last guy! >>

    Dangerous territory here! This was exactly the logic I used to 
rationalize the purchase of a CD Extreme, a very quick boat (I did not find 
the solution that I was looking for).  I too have the perception that other 
people are significantly more efficient than I, from time to time.

<< I have had my forward stroke critiqued from every angle, and try to do 
everything I'm told.  I lean forward, I rotate my torso to the point where 
the top hand crosses over to the other side, I use my legs.  But I'm still 
slow.  >>  << I also do not feel that I am tiring when I paddle. >>

    I work with a knotmeter sometimes to fine tune my forward stroke.  I find 
that without the knotmeter, the only way I have to measure my performance is 
via the perceived effort level. Not a very accurate way to measure 
performance.

    I'm 45 and not in the best of shape and paddle sometimes with a 35 year 
old who's in great shape. Every time we paddle together, I feel like I'm 
working like hell to keep up with him while he seems to be just cruising 
along. One time we were paddling along at 5+ knot's in fully loaded boats. I 
was suffering quietly knowing that I had reached my limit while he was 
looking down right relaxed. I made a comment that we were moving right along 
at 5+ knots and that I don't understand how he can push that hard all the 
time. His response floored me when he said "I was waiting for you to 
back-off! I was just working to keep up with you!". We had been working to 
gauge our performance on our ability to stay 6" on front of each other.

    With the knotmeter I have been able to see how fast I was moving and 
noticed that sometimes I can paddle fast with very little effort and other 
times I struggle for every 1/2 knot. When I'm paddling slow I find that 
concentrating on form is worth a good 25% increase in speed, usually enough 
to take me from the back of the pod to the front.

<< Why is my stroke so ineffective?  I'd appreciate any advice from you >>

    I don't have any answers for you Josh, but I do have some suggestions of 
things to think about. Try something like a knotmeter that will allow you to 
compare changes in speed versus effort as you vary different parts of your 
stroke technique. There is much to consider, length of stroke, positioning of 
the power phase, catch point, release point, verticality of paddle, the 
push/pull movement, posture, cadence, paddle length, paddle blade area, seat 
height, cycling of legs, breathing, heart rate, physical conditioning, energy 
level and on and on.  Some people are lucky and just happen to have a 
naturally effective forward stroke, while others of us have to work for it. 
Maybe it's just payback for your having learned to roll so easily.

<< Nigel Dennis also said that I needed a higher seat and a shorter paddle.  
I paddle with a Lendal Nordkapp,  modified crank, 218 cm. in length.  Nigel 
advised that I get a 215. >>

    Only a truly ignorant fool would dare to disagree with someone like Nigel 
Dennis, so here goes. Plan to systematically test each aspect of your stroke. 
A shorter stroke will raise your cycling rate much like a shorter paddle will 
and will have the advantage of allowing you to better place your power phase 
relative to the most effective placement for *your* body. Good posture, 
sitting up as if suspended by your head, has a similar effect as a higher 
seat. A vertical paddle stroke, close to the gunwales, increases the 
propulsive component and minimizes the yaw component of the stroke. A chevron 
shaped blade path allows one to minimize wasted motion between the end of one 
power phase and the start of the next power phase. Land based torso stretches 
will allow you to use your torso over a greater range of motion thereby 
increasing power from your torso.

    Josh, I'm sure your post will get a lot of responses and much of it will 
be from people how know just how full of crap I am. But I don't believe you 
will find any "silver bullets", just advice to redouble your efforts relative 
to concentrating on good form. As always I wish you the best of luck. We seem 
to find similar issues relative to paddling from our 7,000 mile distant 
perspectives.

Jed
(who know just enough to realize just how little I know)
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************