This guy has the same problem I do .

I have a problem like it but not in my arm

Our sheep are part of the family Even the ugly ones get a cuddle.

Hey Zimbo,

Getting this thread back onto 'clean' lines, I used to have exactly the same thing happen. Always seemed to paddle more strokes on the left than the right to keep a straight line (even in no wind or current). Funnily as time has passed (and loads more kms of paddling) the paddle strokes have evened out.

I think you were right in saying that we are just naturally stronger on one side than the other when we first start SUP and we gradually build up to become more even over time??? Not sure if the same would happen for those who predominantly surf their SUP though.

Mel

just remember you dont paddle only with your arm or hand.....you use your whole body..

if you have more pressure on one foot you can change the course of the board...if your core and lats are more developed on one side you will have more power through that side.....also flexibility will pay a part the more flexible you are through one side, it will alow better technique through the stoke....are you paddling the same distance forward and off the board both sides?

also you will naturaly be more cordinated on one side....which will be your dominate side....this will be your more powerful side to start with but as you paddle more as long as you dont favor one side youll develop symmetry.

Serg

LSD said...

If you surf, your stance being goofy or natural may have a bearing on a predominant stroke, so you become stronger on one side.
Being a natural I tend to use my right side most, for the power/sprint stroke when catching waves, as it is the most comfortable & powerful because of the foot orientation.
Its hard to put in on the left side with your left foot well forward in a surf stance.

i second that. i was going to say the same thing until i saw lsd's quote

Went out for a long paddle over the weekend and think i have spotted a key difference.

Left side note
I noticed my left side stroke was more fluid and even though i actually took more stroke on that side it was not becasue i was weaker but that i used both my top hand and bottom hand better together (ie my catch and power phase of my stroke worked better together.

Right side note
if you recall i thought my right side was stronger, I have have found this is not the case. What , I think happening is that my bottom hand on my right side (right hand) is doing most of the pulling work when I paddle on the right side. My top hand (left hand) is not catching the blade in the water as good as my right hand does on the left side.

So I have reversed my previous conclusion that my right side is stronger. My left side is stronger because both top hand and bottom hand on that side work better together than on my right side which relies on my right hand more for the power of the stroke and therefore it is causing the board to change direction on that side with less strokes.

Who knows I might change my conclusion next time???????????

Are there any paddle DVD/books/experts on paddle technique? I think i need to read up.

This is all a bit normal i thought You will always be stronger and more cordinated on one side, As such more toned etc on one side.

Thats is why you wipe your arse with the same hand every time

DavidJohn said...

Who knows I might change my conclusion next time???????????

Are there any paddle DVD/books/experts on paddle technique? I think i need to read up.

I've been looking into all this for ages. and there are so many variables.. like different techniques.. different paddles can change techniques.. different paddle lengths can make a difference.. technique change when paddling fast.. slow.. cruising.. when tired.. all these things.

Some experts contradict each other on technique... It's tricky stuff.. Maybe one day there'll be a standard right way to paddle.

DJ

Thanks DJ I have noticed that as well. It is just that when I watch those pro's in the Molokai paddling it look so effortless yet they are flying. But when I watch me, I look like a house wife trying to stir a pot of veges.

cheers for your thoughts

Shep said...

Im goofy foot and even though I usually stand fairly square on when paddling I keep a straighter line when paddling on the left - and therefore have to do more strokes to compensate for drifting when paddling on the right.

What I have noticed is that when paddling on the left i put more weight on my left foot, burying the rail which compensates against the paddling = straight line. Its less natural for me to put weight on my right foot when paddling on the right so the paddling dominates and I drift left. I have to concentrate on burying the right rail.

So its not just about even power, you also need to be aware of your weight on the board and how this affects directional control.

Mind you I paddle a 9'8" - might be totally different on a big board.

Thanks Shep, I have noticed that. Also noticed that my right rail dips in more than the left rail when I am paddling on those sides.

A lot of varibles to play with, which actually makes it more fun. I like changing between different styles stances etc for recover / conditions