Re: [Paddlewise] Increasing speed

On Friday, April 12, 2002, at 10:28:31 AM PST, Doug Lloyd wrote:

> I also found that that kind of training regime gave untold hours of
extra stamina to deal with rough crossings at the end of a long days
paddle in already rough weather. It works. Period.<

Melissa said:

I concur.  I do *exactly* the kind of "playing" that you describe in
your message - and it really is not only lots of fun, it's *great*
exercise (without having to think of it as "work"). Melissa
- --

The extra stamina developed during "against-wind-paddling" does provide
an extra margin of safety when you come right down to it. This isn't
macho huff-puff stuff. The other fun exercise on calmer (i.e. no wind
resistance) days is to do "heats" with your paddling partner(s). Two of
us will go flat out until one of us says "give", then we take a break
until the next moment presents itself. Drink plenty of liquids if you do
this in the summer sun. A competitive spirit helps. You also get a
chance to compare hull speeds, try shorter lengthened shafts, etc.,
depending upon the various permutations that the gear allows.

I also have got some fine 4-hour workouts paddling in restricted
channels against a current. This may sound boring to some, but by
choosing the "right" spot (namely,  where any slacking off your stroke
will see you swept away where you don't want to go) you are forced into
a long, committing fight against the current. Making it through, if you
can, is a private jubilation beyond description. Again, this is all
good, clean fun; great for exercise and developing endurance, speed,
mental discipline and stamina.

Doug

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