[Paddlewise] Paddling Stroke / Wrist Pain

To follow up on the long thread and my previous post in favor of the
crankshaft,
and using my ergonomics hat (I do a lot of that at work), following are
what I feel
are the most important factors, in order of priority (highest, first):

    Technique
    (basically a smooth, natural, comfortable stroke with neutral
posture of all joints)

    Force of grip
    (moderate grip, then loosen, each stroke; stretch hand out, when
necessary)

    Paddle blade feather/bent wrist
    (over 70 degrees, requires bent wrist, regardless of technique)

    Paddle shaft
    (straight or crank) - sliding stroke is unnecessary with correct
length of crank
    I have no problem with an extended sweep with a crank

    Paddle blade size
    larger is more stressful

    Paddle length
    longer is more stressful, once you're long enough to not hit the
boat,
    agree that shaft length is the key, verticality of stroke definitely
a factor

    Paddle blade feather
    (up to 60 to 70 degrees - I don't have a dominant "control" hand)

Comments:

Above comments apply to touring and non-Olympic, long distance racing

I find the torso rotation, straight elbow and blade reach to be more
important
than the "push" of the upper hand for power.

When wrist pain starts, a one minute or so continued stretching open of
the
upper hand "releases" my carpal tunnel pain.

If it feels good, do it.

Regards,
Ellis


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