Set Up & Lock

Set Up
Following is a detailed breakdown of proper technique to enter the water correctly.

• Start your rotating for the stroke from hip.
• As you rotate your hip forward lock into your core and reach paddle forward. Reach by showing your chest to the opposite shore.
• Keep top arm high but with the shoulder down. Your upper armpit should be at 90 degrees to your torso.
• Bottom arm straight reaching forward for the plant. Think in terms of lower arm doing a punch.
• Paddle at 45 degree angle forward for catch.
• Head up to expand chest and see what you are doing.

Blade Lock
Following is a detailed breakdown of proper technique entering the water and getting a good “catch” of the water.
This is a separate function to the power phase.

• While rotated and with chest to opposite shore think about keeping the blade moving forward, the same direction as the boat, before you hit the water. Goal is to maximize your reach and stoke length upfront.
• Enter the water at 40 degrees. • Blade should be fully submerged before you pull back.
• Bottom arm remains straight.
• Keep rotation to maximize reach.
• Keep head up to expand chest and see what you are doing.
• Should be minimal noise on entry. If you make a loud splashing noise it means either the blade is not fully buried and/or you are pulling back early.
• Activating the catch before pulling back is essential. These are 2 separate functions and this one is called “locking” the catch (beware not to take shortcut).