Re: [Paddlewise] Torso rotation

At 08:09 PM 5/24/01 -0400, KiAyker_at_aol.com wrote:
> > 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.

Actually, this is a good limbering up exercise before getting into the boat.
Start by standing with your feet facing the same direction and a 
comfortable distance apart, hold the paddle out in front such that it's 
horizontal,  parallel with your chest, and the elbows slightly bent.  Now 
twist slowly until the paddle is perpendicular (but still horizontal) to 
it's initial state and try to keep the paddle shaft parallel with your 
chest.  Do it on both
sides and then get in the kayak and sit with an upright posture and perform
the exercise there.  Stop and hold the paddle position where it's parallel 
to the side of the boat and remember that position.  Now paddle forward and 
try to keep up the torso rotation.  About every third or fourth stroke, 
stop paddling such that you're in that position with the paddle parallel to the
side.  After awhile the torso rotation will feel much more natural.


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