[Paddlewise] Torso rotation

Just how much torso rotation is normal?  I know it will be different for
everybody, but I find this very difficult.  When seated in the kayak, I am
almost at the limits of my flexibility, as far as sitting with a back
straight posture with my legs straight out in front of me (yes, they are
flexed as much as my kayak allows).  I had read that one person had found
success in the idea of getting the pfd zipper across the center line on each
stroke.  I tried to do that and it felt stupid and clunky.  Later I forgot
about the idea of trying to 'move the pfd' and just concentrated on getting
my shoulders to work with the stroke and that felt better, but still a
little unnatural, but I could see how I could get used to it.  My shoulders
were only moving 4"+ for and aft total per stroke and I really wasn't moving
my pfd at all.  My pfd was about as tight as I bared to have and and still
allowed myself the luxury of breathing, but using that as a rotation guage
or incentive really felt self defeating.  Any other checks or tricks to
ensuring that I am using more than just my arms?  Consiquenty, it feels very
relaxing to just 'lean back' into the back rest and paddle with just my
arms.  How much pressure should one be exerting on the back rest while
properly stroking?

Marvin



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