How to Hold a Paddle for Beginner Surfski Paddlers

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Let us know if you have any questions

[@tiaanvanzyl9862]

Good Video, you should consider doing a video on which paddle to choose and explain the differences, i fish off a kayak and bought my ski with a paddle which i later found out was totally wrong for what is needed. i haven't seen a video on KZbin explaining this.

[@The00MOFO]

should knees be together or in a neutral position

[@kevinwaters-marsh217]

You are a great instructor. Thank you.

[@weitdenken]

From a beginner with his S18S thanks a lot for all these tips ans tricks :)

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Oh cool, such a pleasure!!! How are you doing now, 9 months down the line?

[@CanoeingTheEdgeOfTheWorld]

A very good review of the considerations in choosing a paddle. The O-ring idea for establishing proper hand position is a good tip and can make the paddle feel a bit more "customized" to your individual body.

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Thanks for the feedback! I learnt that trick from Tank of Bennett Paddles ;-)

[@travismcgarry]

Awesome tip, will try the o-ring idea as I have hand slip...

[@lov2playtn]

Good tip!

[@vicinitydigitaldesig]

New to this, and can hardly stay in my V7 in the ocean let alone the things that you ride! Haha Thanks for the help.

[@OceanRidersOnline]

haha, don't worry, we all started out unstable... it just takes time :-) I used to fall out ALL THE TIME!! I hope things have improved for you? Happy paddling!

[@MichaelCarson1]

Great information. Subscribed!

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Thanks Michael!! New videos coming soon :-)

[@Ontario-PADDLER-1-Dave-M]

gripping near the throat seems contary to most ski riders. I keep varying; liking short paddles, while most like long. What's the advantage for you? I'm a casual sea kayaker. I like the swing of a short wing paddle and its reacations response (ie low brace - high elbow) . As to o-rings, I prefer to use narrow strips of car reflective tape, as it allows me to vary hand placement up/down the shaft, without impediment.

[@OceanRidersOnline]

I agree Dave, there is definitely opportunity to change / vary your paddle length depending on the conditions you are paddling in, the distance to paddle and even the craft you paddle in.

[@alantoohey7218]

Good video... Is there much of a deference re-mounting with a leg-leash on? Thank you

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Yep, leg leash can makes things a little more tricky! Be careful it does not twist around the boat and always check it is not tangled before you jump in. I have fallen out before with my leg leash on, the boat has then rolled and got tangled in the leash so you need to 'unwrap' the boat / leash first ;-) When jumping in from a beach start it's pretty easy, as long as your leash is not too short, you should have more than enough tether to jump in and out easily. Just practice!!!

[@ShannMart2029]

Aloha! I wanted to know about the paddle degrees. What should be an effective setting with your paddle. Like a 45 degree or a 65 degree setting

[@HEKOT77]

Any which suits you. People use mostly 0...60 degrees

[@barryblackburn5910]

I like the O-ring idea. Did you simply find one at the hardware store? A rubber gasket o-ring? Then use electrical tape around it correct?

[@OceanRidersOnline]

exactly that!

[@jodyodell6159]

Any advice on paddle lentgh? I am a newbie. Bought my highspeed paddle that came in halves. But i really dont know how wide i shouod make the paddle.

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Hi Jody, sorry for such a late reply! Yes, try use the method in this video of keeping your elbows at 90 degrees then fasten your paddle length at that length. :-) Let me know if you need more detail!

[@jeronimojejehd]

👍👍👍

[@jjmaddawg]

hi I want to start paddling what surf ski would you recommend . the epic v5 or fenn bluefin I am obviously looking for stability . thanks

[@OceanRidersOnline]

HI JJ, it's tough for me to choose one over the other. The best bet is trying as many beginner / stable boats that you can and then make the decision. Yes it needs to be stable but also needs to fit your hips, leg length etc. The cockpit of each boat can feel quite different. But agreed, stability is key and both of those options are very stable boats. I think the V5 is even more stable than the Bluefin but I could be wrong so try them both. Hope that helps!!

[@d1427]

how about the grip- why do I get calluses on the inside of the thumbs? Probably because I am guiding the out of the water paddle with the thumbs but how can that be done differently? I change the grip when the calluses hurt and place the thumb on top with the rest of the fingers but it is not the same control/confidence- it only works on relatively flat water. thanks

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Those calluses on the inside of your thumb are very common and probably a 'good' sign, I would argue that MOST paddlers have thumb calluses... some paddlers who have paddled competitively for years and years almost look like they have a 2nd thumb growing ;-) And many sprint kayakers get a thick callus at the back of their heel too - it's all from the chaffing of skin to equipment.

[@d1427]

@@OceanRidersOnlinenow I also know where the callus at the back of the heels comes from- I couldn't figure out the cause... thanks!

[@artofsafari5010]

Hi - What about the angle of feather between the blades? I am getting tendonitis on one arm and have read elsewhere that this could be due to a heavy feather angle and that I should reduce it to a low feather and therefore less wrist action ... ??? Any thoughts?

[@MrCoolerman69]

Art of Safari you can try 0 feather to see how you feel remember we are all built slightly different so don’t be afraid to try other types of paddles and or skis

[@OceanRidersOnline]

Yes, I agree with the previous answer. Experiment with feather angle and shaft % ie glass to carbon. Oscar promotes a 0deg for many reasons, I am comfortable at 60deg but many others go to 45deg. It's well worth experimenting with until you find the best fit. Can also be a paddle that is too long, too much load or too stiff!! And sometimes just overuse from paddling in choppy conditions where you may lose form and grip and pull inefficiently. Hope that helps! Terribly sorry for such a late reply!! You are welcome to contact me on [e-mail] directly with more questions :-) Hayley

[@tonybrown9779]

@@OceanRidersOnline if you go to 0deg do you have 2 control hands - shaft swivels slightly through both hands or none - no swivelling of shaft at all. Thank you.