Connor Baxter SUP Stroke Technique

Connor Baxter on SUP paddle length and stroke technique. Click the CC symbol for subtitles, sorry about the poor sound quality. Filmed at the 2017 Starboard distributor meeting on Maui. His paddles are much shorter than when he first started competing. He breaks down his unique Stand Up Paddle stroke technique which focuses on using the bigger muscles in the core and legs and less upper body strength for endurance racing. He also talks about loading up and releasing the paddleboard by "porpoising" while sprinting. He also talks about choking down on the paddle and leverage. Clearly he is doing something right since he is winning a lot of SUP races using this technique.
The full subtitles and more details/ discussion on this video can be found here:
blueplanetsurf...
To skip to the technique part of the video, start at 3:35
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"Mastering SUP Technique with Blue Planet: Tips from Connor Baxter and More
Unlock the secrets of superior Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) technique with Blue Planet. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, refining your stroke technique is essential for maximizing efficiency and performance on the water.
Optimize Your Stroke: Learn from the best in the business, including legendary paddlers like Connor Baxter, Dave Kalama, Danny Ching, and Travis Grant. Discover how to 'choke down' on your paddle to generate power, 'load up' for a strong stroke, and 'release' with precision timing.
Choose the Right Paddle Length: Selecting the correct paddle length is crucial for SUP technique. Find the perfect balance between reach and power to optimize your stroke and minimize fatigue. Our experts can help you determine the ideal paddle length for your height and paddling style.
Perfect Your Catch: Master the art of the paddle 'catch' to propel yourself smoothly through the water. Focus on planting your blade firmly and efficiently to maximize forward momentum with each stroke.
Explore Cutting-Edge Gear: Elevate your SUP game with cutting-edge equipment from Starboard, including the Sean Pointer Enduro paddle. Discover the benefits of a shorter paddle for improved maneuverability and reduced strain on your shoulders.
Refine Your Technique: Dive into our comprehensive library of SUP tips and tutorials to refine every aspect of your paddling technique. Whether you're honing your SUP surfing skills or fine-tuning your race paddle technique, Blue Planet has you covered.
Join the Blue Planet Community: Connect with fellow paddlers and share your experiences as part of the Blue Planet community. From group paddles to expert advice, there's always something exciting happening with Blue Planet.
Ready to take your SUP technique to the next level? Explore Blue Planet's expert tips and gear recommendations today."

[@TheBjameso]

Best audio quality in the history of KZbin

[@blueplanetsurf]

Haha, I know the audio sucks in this video! 🤙🏼

[@ScottTandoi]

The skateboard analogy was so clutch, thanks!

[@nstephens66]

Yeah man I am just learning to sup but I've been skating over 20 years so I loved that.

[@rg3412]

It's interesting to hear Connor talk about the hip thrust. I see a lot of connections with proper deadlifting technique where you use your posterior chain and hip thrust at the end of the movement. Keep interviewing these masters, they are a wealth of information!

[@KarenKennedyFC2Fitness]

What a great up-to-date interview and advice from young legend Connor Baxter! Thank you Blueplanetsurf for keeping us all reaching for our best!

[@lajefa829]

I'm so happy to heard the part about paddle length! Such a rabbit hole when doing research.

[@blueplanetsurf]

Hi Tracy, Paddle length is important and if the paddle is too long, it can cause shoulder issues, that one of the reasons why many of us have been going shorter.

[@lajefa829]

Good to know! I would love to see a nice detailed video explaining paddle length for surfing only. Not to be greedy or anything. :D

[@lov2playtn]

Thanks for sharing Conner...Just what I needed as a beginning SUP paddler....

[@wualex846]

The hip throw technique is something definitely gonna try, thanks for the vid.

[@blueplanetsurf]

Yes, starting the rotation from the hip creates a lot of torque 🤙🏼

[@TRAVISDALERICHARDS]

Great tips. I started paddling almost daily a year ago with a longer paddle and started having shoulder issues almost immediately. Once I cut my paddles down to about what Conner is suggesting all the pain went away and hasn't came back after at least 6 months of daily paddling.

[@blueplanetsurf]

+Travis Richards Yes, a long paddle can cause shoulder problems. Rotator cuff issues are very common (I had shoulder pain for more than a year) and keeping the top elbow lower greatly reduces the strain on the shoulders.

[@electricguysvcs]

Thanks for the tips guys - makes sense. Last year I started experimenting with shorter paddles also for surf models and what a difference. I have one Starboard 14' race so I watch Conner a lot for tips. Thanks again

[@blueplanetsurf]

+Guy Witscher Glad you like it!

[@limbo0031]

Great vid. The 2 techniques Connor speaks to -fast short for speed short races, and long drives and almost falling onto the catch is exactly how our international coach taught us for dragon boat (DB) racing. Watch how the national Thai or China men race in DB - short fast and unbelievable rate. Very effective for sprints. The Canadians have a great drive through the core and power for the longer races.

[@blueplanetsurf]

Hi Steve, thanks. There are a lot of parallels to other paddlesports and you can learn a lot from observing the best paddlers. 🤙🏼

[@robingravestock3227]

Great video, well done Connor just what I needed

[@brandonrunyon220]

Great video guys! I am very anxious to try out some of these new techniques. Thanks again CB. ✌😎

[@interspace1529]

Thanks for this video

[@blueplanetsurf]

You’re welcome! 🤙🏼

[@pmcv]

Wow! That was some incredible instruction!! Thanks so much for all of the great tips!!! Great stuff!!!

[@ajparr5585]

Larry Cain does a great job with mechanics of paddling

[@InsaneDynamics]

Going to try this. It looks very efficient!!!

[@blueplanetsurf]

There is no doubt that Connor is FAST!

[@suttonknight8625]

Awesome stroke tips, Connor . Mahalo andAloha! Sutton

[@007007dd]

Fantastic Thrust provides so much more power than paddling

[@martinbailly573]

Thanks for the great tips and excellent demo !! Cheers !

[@rsstnnr76]

Great tips.

[@pentachronic]

It’s funny. I figured this “drop and pull” technique myself the other day. Really high power and you keep your CofG centred. It is very demanding on the muscles though and will require training !!

[@Algarvesup]

Excellent technique - well I guess it better be, after all, Connor is one of the world's best paddlers!

[@blueplanetsurf]

Yes, it sure works well for Connor!

[@vincenzo_turco]

we still manage to hear some voices in the background behind the noise of crashing waves

[@blueplanetsurf]

Haha, that’s good, sorry about the poor audio

[@vincenzo_turco]

@@blueplanetsurf good content however! Very instructive

[@mikeflower3308]

thanks that is muscle engineering!

[@igorgoga7985]

Can you pls repeat how long the paddle (not for surfing)- I could not hear well. Thank you!

[@blueplanetsurf]

Hi Igor, sorry about the poor sound. I added subtitles, click the cc icon to see the subtitles if the sound is hard to hear. Regarding race paddle length, he said it's about a thumbs down over his head. So if you put a thumbs down on top of your head, the handle would reach the top of your fist. For me that's about 7 inches or 18 cm over my head, hope that makes sense.

[@igorgoga7985]

thank you so much!!!!

[@asaied100]

shorter means! What is the rule of thumb for long distance and or down wind paddle length? the problem is, the paddler has to be consistent in how much knee bend and hip back thrust action in each stroke? I stager feet as you recommended in your awesome downwind video! many thanks!

[@blueplanetsurf]

Paddle length is a personal choice and also depends on the thickness of your board and many other factors. My downwind paddles have been getting shorter as they are easier on my shoulders. I'm using about the same length as Connor mentions in this video- a little less than a "shaka" over the head, hope that helps. Glad you like the videos, Aloha!

[@anthonypeterson428]

This is similar to double poling in Nordic skiing.

[@blueplanetsurf]

Yes that’s a good analogy👍

[@normbrousseau2359]

Totally Rad Duuuuude ! 😂

[@blueplanetsurf]

💪🏄🏽‍♂️✌️

[@mexicothai]

Great tips, Connor is amassing! The interviewer could be more engaging, he looks so bored and uninterested... shame!

[@blueplanetsurf]

Haha, ok I guess I'm too mellow but to be sure, I was very interested in everything Conner had to say.

[@gabrielventer493]

@@blueplanetsurf if it helps you sound like u know ur shit and sound interested screw that guy^

[@aolegario1]

Great video. Audio sucked

[@blueplanetsurf]

+Anthony O Sorry, the directional microphone was picking up the breaking waves behind us.

[@blueplanetsurf]

I just added subtitles to the video, click the cc icon to see them, thank you!

[@MerlinMan1579]

Why shoot this vid next to a very noisy road.....bloody annoying.

[@blueplanetsurf]

Sorry about the poor audio, I just added subtitles, click the cc icon to see them.

[@sally8887]

It’s the ocean!!!

[@antoniroldan]

just add a microphone to your t shirt😂