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Holding the Paddle PDF Print E-mail
Written by G. Payton   
Thursday, 15 May 2008
There's more to holding a canoe paddle than gripping it with both hands and not letting go. George Sayour at about.com explains:
 

 What's Wrong With This Picture?

Go ahead and take a close look. All to often this is what we see from recreational canoeists. It's not their fault really. Why not make their lives easier and give them a more enjoyable experience by politely correcting their error? They'll probably thank you for it.

 Canoeists not holding paddles correctly
Holding a canoe paddle might seem like an extremely easy technique to learn. One could conclude that it would be ridiculous to even write an article about it. That doesn't change the fact that most people hold a canoe paddle wrong which causes a loss of power during the forward stroke. It also places the canoeists body in an awkward paddling position. Check out these steps to make sure you do this simple yet crucial task of holding you canoe paddle properly.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Just Seconds

Here's How:

  1. Place The Top Hand on the Canoe Paddle: The top hand grabs the handle on top of the paddle. When the paddle is oriented vertically, the back of the top hand will be facing upward. The stem of the paddle should be between the four fingers of the top hand.

  2. Place the Bottom Hand on the Canoe Paddle: Grab the paddle with the lower arm's hand on the throat of the paddle. When the paddle is held out horizontally the paddler's arms should be holding the canoe paddle at wider than shoulder width apart.

 

Tips:

  1. The lower arm and grip is used to hold the canoe paddle is the one generating most of the power.
  2. The upper arm and grip used to hold the canoe paddle creates the balance and accuracy of the stroke.
  3. People most frequently use both hands to grab the paddle like they would grab an ax. Be sure to have your top hand on top of the paddle.
 Woman properly holds the paddle as she canoes

Last Updated ( Thursday, 15 May 2008 )
 

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