Small but effective: the paddle is the motor of the SUP. This makes it all the more important to use it correctly. Here are a few basics: The side of the paddle blade on which the water pressure acts during a normal paddle stroke is the front, the other is the back. The lower hand (near the blade) is called the shaft hand or pulling hand in SUP. The upper hand is known as the pommel hand or guide hand, or push hand. The side of the board on which the paddle blade is in the water is the onside (active side), the other side is the offside (passive side).
The sequence of a paddle stroke can be divided into three sections:
- Paddle immersion phase (catch)
- Paddle pull phase (power)
- Paddle recovery phase.
Each section has a technique that influences the efficiency of the entire paddle stroke.
The basic position is important here: feet parallel during the insertion phase. During the power phase, the paddle stroke is not only performed with the arms, but also supported by the upper body movement. The movement should therefore also allow a slight rotation of the upper body. The upper body should be kept straight and upright or slightly tilted forwards (approx. 10 degrees). The pelvis should also be tilted slightly forwards.
The complete paddle stroke technique is available as a PDF download below:
- Effective basic stroke
- Counterblow
Rule of thumb: Grip the knob of the upright paddle with an outstretched arm. The arm should be almost straight.
Formula for the grip width: Paddle over the head, arms spread out, forearms upwards, grip shaft and knob.
