Re: [Paddlewise] Torso rotation

> Just how much torso rotation is normal?  

   Paddling with straight arms, as already mentioned, is probably the best 
way to accomplish what you are trying to figure out. The technique is simple, 
just lock your elbows and paddle. The only way you can paddle the boat with 
your arms locked is by using torso rotation. Once you get the hang of it, 
bend your elbows just enough to feel comfortable and continue paddling as you 
did with your elbows locked. If you can do this then you should have pretty 
good torso rotation working for you.
   The problem is that I find that quite a large number of people are unable 
to paddle with their elbows locked. They just can't do it! I guess it's sort 
of like rubbing your stomach with one hand while patting your head with the 
other. Not everyone is able to easily accomplish this. So another technique 
you might try is to sit comfortably in your boat with your back more or less 
straight. Hold your paddle comfortably out in front of you at about chest 
height or slightly below, elbows slightly bent. Now slowly, and gently. twist 
your torso with your paddle from one side to the other. Imagine you are 
simply limbering up your torso with this twisting exercise. Once you have 
twisted a number of times from one side to the other in the air, keep slowly 
twisting, but drop one end after the other of your paddle into the water as 
you do. You might also try to watch your paddle blade with each stroke. 
Turning your head with each paddle stroke can help facilitate the torso 
rotation.

>Consiquenty, it feels very relaxing to just 'lean back' into the back rest 
and paddle with just my arms.

   This is something that is commonly resorted to by people who have poorly 
developed stomach muscles. Perhaps you need to work on that area some.

Good luck,

Scott
So.Cal.

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