Surfski Paddling Tips: Get a grip!

[@Iaapwm]

Thanks for the paddle tip. More importantly I would like to comment on something that I indirectly learnt from your video on Lake Chelan. Most of your video showed your foot movement. I notice how you would pull on the foot strap to help improve your rotation. Well that was how I interpreted that movement. So I installed a Foot strap on my TK1, got instant results with my rotation plus a better contact with the Kayak. And recently bought a V10Sport (paddle along the river) and constantly using this practice. No one is addressing this technique, yet we are constantly reminded to focus on rotation, not so easy without the straps, did not have one in my TK1 or Sea Kayak, Most of us are just starting out and rely on your style of videos to help us perfect our skills as we upgrade our boats,,, been paddling on and off over the past 20 yrs, am 60yo now, the Ex moved on 15yrs ago and the kids have moved out recently (Free man paddling,,,,, Hehehe) and now am really enjoying paddling even more because I can paddle efficiently. Enjoy your videos, your Ski set up and the "Envy" boat looks brilliant. Much appreciated from Lismore NSW Australia. JP

[@FasterFartherX]

Thanks Walter! Comments like yours are why I make videos... to inspire! You are correct on pulling for rotation, and of course there is loads more to it. Specifically it's push and pull, and the power comes from the hips, not the arms. Here is a link to a recent thread with very detailed advice on good foot work for balance (scroll to near the bottom): www.surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/20005-mantra-for-rough-water.html

[@Iaapwm]

@@FasterFartherX Thanks for your reply Nic, will look at it later tonight. My name is Jean-Pierre. My nick name is Walter,, long fun story, We call each other, Walter at work.. Your correct, I was able to focus on other aspect of the paddling after improving the rotation. Everything else seems to flow, could feel the muscle above the hips engaging more as the paddle sunk into the water. Feeeeeels perfect,,,, a gliding moment/movements whatever you can call it. Could never get that before. Men are more visual, so your video produces lots of action with great music,,, That is great. I really appreciate the videos you produce. Good to see you on the net again. Wish you Good Health,, JP

[@Iaapwm]

Just had a look at the link you sent. Read every bit of it. Just Awesome info. Now I understand........ Have been searching for this for a long time. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. JP

[@heidijo71]

have been looking everywhere for paddle grip tips. Thank you.

[@davidwilliams5974]

Great video, very heplful to us new paddlers. Looking forward to more

[@FasterFartherX]

Thanks David. I'm eight years into my paddling adventure, and still consider myself a new paddler.

[@axelhaglund2076]

Awesome that the channel is up and running!!

[@FasterFartherX]

Thanks Axel. Hoping to have some fun and do some good.

[@barryblackburn5910]

Great job with the video. Editing and b roll was great. I learned something too.

[@FasterFartherX]

Thanks Barry. Looking forward to making more.

[@kayakphd]

Great to see you back!

[@taniadejong740]

love this. If using a wash rider paddle hand locator stick you will need 2 arms length of tape as the locator sticks are about double the width of this lovely gentleman's video..Video is well done and easy to follow. GREAT OUTCOME.Thank you

[@alasdairgrant4301]

Most helpful, really nicely produced video too - thanks!

[@warwickdales5111]

Something I’ve always done but never had the ease of mind of knowing was correct …so thanks for the reassurance,great video and insight 👍

[@End0fthelin3]

Glad to see you back and great video. Sometimes it is the small details that make all the difference.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Great info -- thanks for sharing your expertise and experience!

[@FasterFartherX]

Likewise!

[@PaddleLAB]

Good to see your face again mate.

[@FasterFartherX]

Depends on who you ask... 🤨

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Excellent video. Great editing and videography.

[@SeaShanty2016]

Thanks for this. I have tried so many different methods, but never the silicon tape ( even though I have some in my shed)

[@Ben-sl8su]

Welcome Back 🤘

[@jonathangray6563]

Hi Nick. Great video, will try it. Hope your vinyl covers are working out. Cya at the Gorge.

[@tonisurfski]

Awesome Video!

[@FasterFartherX]

Thanks Toni, keep up the great work!

[@tonisurfski]

@@FasterFartherX thanks😁

[@nickwaterman]

more basic tips please! im having trouble understanding foot pressure is it constant or shifting

[@FasterFartherX]

ideally foot pressure is pretty much constant, but shifts from one foot to the other as you rotate the hips.

[@d1427]

Last year I've been using one layer of badminton racket grip- mainly because my palms are greasy after smearing sunblock on my skin. It is soft and tacky and lasted from April to October. The only thing I am going to change is the direction of wrapping- I followed someone's advice to start wrapping form the far end towards the middle so that the hand doesn't slide down- that in fact is only causing more blistering [by the way- don't only see palm calluses but no inner thumbs ones- how you do that :)?] As for the silicone- I will definitely give a try because is thinner [I don't know how'd work with the greasy palms though...]

[@d1427]

I tried silicone and it doesn't work- still slippery. My latest finding that is the best- back to badminton racket grip but this time towel grip. It may get rough after a while from the salt water but if washing the paddle after each sortie it will keep it softer. Once in a while I use the car key to ruffle up a bit the towel and make it fluffy [as I do with my badminton racket too]

[@rodrigoazubel]

Hi, thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I noticed you were wearing gloves in one of the images. Is there a specific brand and model you'd recommend for paddling? Do you find gloves better than pogies? Thank you again

[@martins.7175]

New to surf ski, have tons of kayaking experience but one thing that I have an issue with is the beach launch. Particularly the fin on the boat just digs into the sand so usually have to muscle it into knee deep water. Is there no other way?

[@Alastair510]

Go backwards. No. You have to get your boat into water deep enough that the rudder won't contact the bottom once you sit in the boat.

[@tonisurfski]

🤟