Hi Robert! I am a dragon boat paddler. I have a question regarding legs position on the dragon boat: would you recommend to keep both legs forward or active leg (closest to the boat side) bend? Thank you!
Ideally you want your leg closest to the water forward in the seated position. This applies to the 6 person outrigger canoe as well where you switch your legs to match your paddling side. Ultimately if you are rotating properly and getting proper leg drive, any leg position works. The idea is your leverages while reaching are maximal with that leg forward, less with both legs forward, and the least with that outside leg tucked under you. You can test this by sitting and extending your bottom arm out and changing the leg position will pull your hips/shoulders/elbow/wrist closer to you in each configuration
Hi, I am an ex marathon canoe racer and find your explanation interesting and very well done. I do have some questions; you seems to carry the stroke well beyond your hip. We were taught to begin our exit at the hip for the next stroke. Also, your stroke rate seems very slow, is this for demonstration purposes? I think channels like yours are long overdue for paddling sports and please take my comments as true questions not criticisms. Keep up the good work!
Great question and one I recieve weekly! I should really make a video about it. The boat shape difference between the marathon and outrigger dictates the stroke style. A marathon canoe relies on creating and sustaining lift with its wide and short hull in shallow environments. Getting to this end goal requires quicker, shorter less powerful strokes. The outrigger relies entirely on glide from its narrow length in deep water, since the hull is too long to actually lift. Successful OC boats cruise at 50-60spm at the world championship level and there's a huge reward for continuing the movement past the hips since it helps sustain glide more than removing it sooner. In marathon that paradigm shifts to 70-80+spm to try and achieve that lift since the hull doesn't glide very well overall.
Wow, thanks for the reply. Do you have any plans to talk about Marathon Canoe racing fundamentals ? There is one other brave soul that does (I don't think it is appropriate to name him on your site without permission). I think it is Fabulous the fundamentals are being revealed instead of years of picking up what the best winning paddlers might pass on. Keep on doing great work! @@K2NOPS
Thank you! Not particularly, it's not a skill set I'm particularly optimized in nor have plans to be. It's not a major racing discipline in my particular region.
