I too find that a more vertical paddle position is MUCH more efficient and easier to maintain. I don't rotate my wrists but find that,if I don't open my top hand in the push, I end up with cramps in my forearm that cause my middle finger to fold tightly against my palm. And holding the paddle shaft very loosely and keeping my arms locked with a very slight elbow bend keeps any of the work from my arms except for steering strokes. I can maintain a pace of about 4 mph all day with this stroke and do up to 30 miles. I only paddle 3-5 times a month so am not really in top shape. But when I want to go faster, concentrating on technique rather than speed really helps. I push off more with my feet and pump my legs when I have to go faster than 4 mph. If you hurt in your stomach and thighs after a long hard paddle, your are paddling correctly. Marilyn *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Aug 05 2003 - 07:32:34 PDT
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