The Underestimated Boat Mechanics Every Paddler Needs to Know

The Underestimated Boat Mechanics Every Paddler Needs to Know

As we head into a new paddling season, it’s time to get back to basics and look at the fundamental mechanics that play such a crucial role in our success on the water. When we talk about paddling technique, we’re actually talking about several interrelated components: body, blade, stroke, and boat mechanics. Here is a quick breakdown:

1. Body Mechanics – Alignment and Setup for the Stroke
Body mechanics are the foundation of every stroke. A proper body alignment allows the paddler to efficiently deliver the stroke, which directly impacts how the blade interacts with the water. As we begin the paddling season, take time to check in with your body’s setup, making sure you’re delivering the stroke with optimal form.

2. Blade Mechanics – The Blade’s Journey Through the Water
The blade is the direct correlation between the paddler and the water, so getting the mechanics right here determines the connection and quality of moving a boat in the most effective way. The way your blade enters, executes and exits the water will greatly affect your power and boat efficiency.

3. Stroke Mechanics – Defining Stroke Rate and Style
Stroke mechanics dictate the type or style of paddling. Factors like rate and delivery contribute to the overall technical aspects of each step of the stroke. The goal is to develop each component of the stroke to have effective blending amongst paddlers.

4. Boat Mechanics – The Movement of the Vessel
Boat mechanics are about understanding how the boat moves through the water. Without proper boat mechanics, paddlers expend unnecessary energy trying to move a boat and can become fatigued especially during races. Understanding and harnessing boat mechanics means reducing resistance and maximizing glide.

Why Boat Mechanics Matter
Timing is everything when it comes to paddling. When all components (body, blade, stroke, and boat) are synchronized, it creates what we call "boat glide." This flow allows the boat to move effortlessly across the water. Without it, boats tend to bog down, requiring constant power input and, in races, ultimately leading to a number of power calls to keep the boat moving fast.
Poor body mechanics will lead to improper blade mechanics, ineffective stroke mechanics, and compromised boat glide. It becomes a vicious cycle that ultimately hampers performance.

Race Strategy and Boat Glide
A key aspect of race strategy is understanding that when the boat’s glide is disrupted, it’s much harder to execute a well-thought-out race plan. Instead of focusing on tactics and positioning, paddlers often find themselves dealing with the physical challenge of overcoming boat drag hindering boat speed.
 

I have built a ready made template of the 10 week progressions complete with drills and how to use training and tools to build a race strategy. 

If you are a new coach this template will be great for you to use as you learn to build your own training progressions.
If you are a coach that has not taken the formal training to develop progressions these will help you create a water season.
If you are a coach that has not yet trained a team for the race distances of 200M and 2K the Level 3 progression will get your team ready to race every distance.
 
These progressions were designed as a template to be used exactly as is but they do allow coaches to use their own skill sets, experience and expertise by modifying. Click here to learn more about these progressions