KEYS TO KAYAKING – Mike Aronoff, CKAPCO.com

Quiet Boat: Your boat should be steady(Not bobble). If your goal is to paddle straight ahead or create graceful turns and smooth transitions blending strokes; then heel control and a quiet, steady boat are keys to efficient paddling.

CPR: All strokes have at least three parts: Catch, Power, Release.

Quiet Paddle: Your paddle should not create a lot of noise or splash. Work on feeling how the paddle moves in and relates to the water.[CPR] Practice quietly. Avoid pushing down or lifting water. Make your paddle "stick" during the catch phase.

Move to the Paddle: The Boat (your hips) move to the paddle blade during a stroke- not the paddle blade to you. With an “efficient stroke” the paddle blade moves minimally through the water.

Power Stops at the Hip for the forward stroke – starts at the toes. (catch)

Dynamic vs. Static: Dynamic stroke, power is applied to the paddle by the paddlers movement/energy. Static stroke, the paddle is planted, held firmly in place (catch). Power is applied to the paddle by the movement/energy of the boat.

Separation of the body:  Sit up straight and balance equally on your sitz bones, for a strong pelvic base that will liberate your upper-body motion from your lower. With arms and legs connected to a reliable center, tension decreases and flexibility improves.

Dynamic seated position : Nose & navel over the centerline of the kayak . Stay upright. Sit up straight with good posture for balance. The eyes help maintain balance head up and look up. Look where you want to go.

Torso Rotation: Arms are connectors to the real source of power. Incorporate torso rotation into your strokes. The torso muscles are the best power source. Wind up and use them.

Paddlers’ Box: Extend your hands with paddle straight out from your chest. Note Your arms , shoulders and paddle shaft create the "paddlers’ box."  Use torso rotation to maintain this position [box] during strokes. Power is maximized, shoulder safety is maintained. If you see your hands things are usually good – if not…….

Breathing: Don't forget to breathe – let it go. Awareness of your breathing (belly breathe) to minimize tension, enhance the flow of your strokes and improve balance.

Intention: Intention is the beginning of every movement. Focus on a movement a split second before you initiate.  Visualize it; then do it.  Look where you want to go.

Less is often More: Go for quality not quantity. Practice maneuvers, strokes, heeling and transitions slowly and precisely and then build up speed/power.

Remember: "Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly, ever acquire the skill to do difficult things easily." -Johnann C. Schiller