A new year of racing is ahead of us. I hope you have included "Improving Technique" as one of your New Years resolutions. Proper technique can make you more efficient in what ever you do. It can also help prevent injuries.
  One of the skills in adventure racing that is still widely neglected through the sport is paddling. A distinct advantage can be gained if a team takes the time to learn proper paddling technique, and put in some time training the "right" way.

“Start the year improving your skills.”

  Beginners should avoid learning bad habits from the start. And many veterans who think they have proper technique don't. Even elite paddlers who have had expert coaching can gain from tuning up their skills.

  I have found a coach for every adventure racer. He has Six national titles in Whitewater and Marathon kayaking. He is a veteran of the Olympic Sprint Kayak Program,and the National Junior Coach. His name is Brent Reitz and he has put together an incredible instructional video and DVD, "The Brent Reitz Forward Stroke Clinic."
  In the video Brent breaks down the paddling motion into five parts; the torso rotation, the elbow lift, the catch, pushing with bent elbow, and the exit. He explains every motion as he shows you how to do it. Then he tells you why you do it that way. The systematic approach is easy to learn and apply.
  Also included in the video is information about wing paddles. He answers the questions about which paddle blade is best. At the end he shows several stretches specific for paddling.

  I feel so strongly that this video can help you improve your paddling technique, and your success in adventure racing that I have provided a link to left so you can purchase it now.

  Don't wait to improve your skills. Begin the year right. Improve your technique early in the year, then later you can concentrate on increasing your distance and endurance. Stay tuned for more articles later about improving skills in other areas.