WA
1085 posts
In my attempt to learn how to paddle better I got in touch with one of the local outrigging clubs who invited me out for a paddle. I've now trained with them twice and raced with them on the weekend, and for anyone looking for improved paddle technique, extra training, and a great social sport, outrigging ticks all the boxes.
Seeing as I've only done it for a couple of weeks, I'm not sure if its improved my sup paddling as yet but its been great fun, great fitness, and another opportunity to get out on the water.
If anyones wants to learn more about paddle technique, give it a go.
QLD
3954 posts
Hi Hawk,
I am right with you mate. I started OC last year and found 2 things, 1/ that a few years paddling SUP helped in that I knew how to hold a paddle (sort of) and 2/ That was all I knew about paddling.
When you paddle in a 6 man canoe you can be the fittest strongest guy on the water and be vomiting on the bank after an effort while the 60 year old guy in the boat that passed you easily is barely in a sweat. The worst part here is that the 5 other guys you were paddling with in your boat are off you completely as it was you that stopped their boat from 'running' and they too were working way harder than was necessary. If you are not in sync, you're screwed.
It is all about technique, strength and fitness are secondary. If you have both however you go fast, real fast.
Case in point, we had Nationals on the weekend and our boat had 2 x 45 year olds, a 58 year old and 3 of the people in the boat like myself were in their first novice year of paddling. We were in the open mens division and finished 5th in the country out of 20 boats from every state? How did we beat clubs full of giant Maori warriors born into paddling and athletes that run, do time in the gym and train every day? People take this sport seriously at this level. We knew we didnt have any of that athletic ability so we focussed 100% on technique. With a boat full of young fit ex ironmen, olympic kayakers and lifeguards with 10 years as a team like 1st to 4th and the same technique we had who knows what could have been possible. Our old ragtag crew surprised quite a few people. We were actually written off beforehand.
As for my SUP paddling now, it's a different ball game altogether. Not even comparable. I am not saying that I have great technique or experience at all, I am just a novice but it has really changed things for me.
I highly recommend it and anyone interested in trying it out for a paddle on the Gold Coast please PM me and I will give you details of training times etc. Our club welcomes all.
WA
1313 posts
With three kids Adam how do you not only find the time to do all these things but get the OK from the boss? I have one little one and on a good week I will get three paddles in at 5.30am, if I am lucky. You really must have built up the browny points over the years, or just sent the bench mark very low from the begining.
WA
1085 posts
Oh and I nearly forgot......I suck at surfing!!!
