Over on the Zone there has been alot of discussion about Woogie's technique after they all viewed him test driving Stuey's 18ft Penetrator. A few are claiming that his style is the best they have seen and they are all trying to paddle like him.

One guy claims he already has it covered and that he paddles the same

Anyway I was just wondering if anyone out there was maybe interested in attending some "Technique Clinics" with Woogie. If there are enough of us interested maybe we could convince him when he returns from Hawaii next week.

I know he conducts OC1 clinics with 4-5 sessions over a couple of months at a cost of about $35 - $40 a session I think ?? Don't quote me on those amounts.

Anyone interested ?? Maybe he could do some on the Sunshine & Gold Coasts. Or a "One Off" Clinic when he's down there eg. Honolua 22nd Nov on Gold Coast.

Thanks Sue - yes, Amy and i would be interested for one on SC. Tried to sort out a time with Jodie and Woogie after the Moffat's run - still trying to get work/childcare together for any freetime... so we would definitely try to come along.

I also like Woogie's style a lot compared to how I've noticed other paddlers in long distance events. His style definitely stands out. I was thinking about this and I think Woogie has the right sized paddle, many other paddlers I've seen they appear to be hunched over and use their back and arms to paddle - hense they look very awkward and stressed while paddling.

I would also agree that DJ paddles along the same lines as Woogie - you will see he is always quite relaxed and carries a good upright posture which looks natural and doesn't stress the back. I think it's a lot to do with the length of his paddle.

Personally I think it's a much better look, and much better for your posture to get a longer paddle and dig it deeper into the water than have a paddle that is too short that you need to bend down in order to get power. Most of the paddles you find in shops are too short. Anyway that's my 2 cents.

I've also noticed that after a long session when I start getting a bit limp and tired I tend to pull the paddle with the bottom arm rather than pushing with the top arm. Pushing the paddle with the top arm seems to give much more power to the stroke. Pulling the paddle with the bottom arm gives me pain and doesn't seem right. I'd be interested to know from others about their views on this.

While on this topic I think the x amount of paddle length above the eye line is not an accurate way to measure the correct paddle length because different people have different arm lengths. This is something Greg W pointed out some time ago. If I put my paddle between my feet I can grasp my paddle handle and my arm is totally extended. I think if you have to bend your arm noticeably to grab your paddle in this position your paddle may be too short for you.

oliver said...



I've also noticed that after a long session when I start getting a bit limp and tired I tend to pull the paddle with the bottom arm rather than pushing with the top arm. Pushing the paddle with the top arm seems to give much more power to the stroke. Pulling the paddle with the bottom arm gives me pain and doesn't seem right. I'd be interested to others about their views on this.

It is actually both - you got to pull and push but at the same time.

I will look for some text which explains it in laymans term.

And I am with Sue he has to learn how to work a computer

Ok..so we've mentioned it to Woogie and he is keen to conduct some clinics. I'll let him get off the plane first tonight before hassling him for dates etc.

I'll post in the next few days when clinics will begin.

DavidJohn said...

I would love to know how many inches Woogie's paddle is over his head height.

I'm guessing about 10"... (his paddle height)..

DJ

He has a couple of paddles to choice from - Surfing paddle is shorter than his distance paddle.

His current distance paddle is 78.7" his height 6 ft -
All in cm - 199.89 paddle height - 182.88 padders height - difference 17.01cm

or 78.7" paddle height 72" padders height - 6.7" difference

is that as clear as mud

Nice one - I'm 180cm and my paddle is 199.5cm

Thats one paddle fits all - surfing and cruising

aussiewahine said...

kiakaha said...

Oopps sorry DJ I measured the wrong paddle - I measured my paddle by mistake.

Very Funny Mrs Marsh .....

Well my paddle now - we have got use of it in the Seaway event smaller blade for the end of the race when we are totally exhausted

DJ,
If you are riding your 11'4", you paddle length shouldn't be more than around 8 inches above your height IMO. If you are riding a Vortice or penetrator, yep probally 10 to 12 inches is the go. Don't you find you are expending energy lifting the blade over the deck on such a long paddle? (11 inches?)
Regards,
Scotty

No fair you guys steal my topic and get private lessons. I demand video so I can watch it here on Maui.

Aloha

Byron

kiakaha said...

DavidJohn said...

I would love to know how many inches Woogie's paddle is over his head height.

I'm guessing about 10"... (his paddle height)..

DJ

He has a couple of paddles to choice from - Surfing paddle is shorter than his distance paddle.

His current distance paddle is 78.7" his height 6 ft -
All in cm - 199.89 paddle height - 182.88 padders height - difference 17.01cm

or 78.7" paddle height 72" padders height - 6.7" difference

is that as clear as mud

kiakaha said...

kiakaha said...

Oopps sorry DJ I measured the wrong paddle - I measured my paddle by mistake.

What is the length of Woogies paddle?