[Paddlewise] High bracing and elbows

G'day,

I've been trying to improve my high bracing for coping with surf and have
run into differences of opinion on technique between trainers who are all
genuinely expert.

One says don't use high brace at all too high a risk of shoulder
dislocation, two say keep the elbows rigidly locked to the body to avoid
possibility of shoulder dislocation. A fourth says to be prepared to extend
the arm, on the support blade side, away from the body (but not upwards) to
get full advantage of the brace. He also gave the impression that the brace
is a fluid almost relaxed operation. There seems to be a major difference
between what is done for surf and the sculling high brace in non surf
conditions, the fourth trainer advocated an extended arm, flexible torso
approach for both.

Not having much in the way of upper body muscle my own predilection is to
lock my elbows in, but it would be useful to know what others think and what
is officially recommended by US training authorities. Hope my description is
adequate.

All the best, PeterO


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