Hi Angie, love to come but I'm in Melbourne. What sort of distances are you thinking of, I've been reading on KeNalu of the 25 mile event coming up, that is a looong way. I kinda like the long distance where you get to go places and as a by product get fit rather than the full on training thing but I guess the only way to really get to the 40k stage is by a training regime. It would be really interesting for me and I'm guessing some others if you could give us some advice as a personal trainer about the best way to build up to bigger distances. I have absolutely no interest in any exercise without a paddle or a boom in my hand (maybe walking the dog!), find I can do the leisurely 25k (return trip so wind only helps one way) in about 4 hours with a coffee in the middle but I'm pretty glad to get to the end, the prospect of another 15k just aint on! Any thoughts or tips would be most welcome. Thanks

i would be keen guys depending on days and time.

Sounds good to me.

Hi Angie,

Great idea regarding flat water paddling!.

The flatwater paddles are a must if you want to....

1.get fit -eg. build up your core strength and leg strength.

2.get some km's under your belt.

3.use this time to work on correct paddling technique.

4.de-stress after work.

I have watched alot of SUP paddlers and the majority get a board /paddle and just go for it and have very little correct paddling technique.That is fine when you are getting your feet so to speak, but if you want to maximise your paddling potential /power in the flat and especially the surf, there are certain paddling techniques you can use to take your paddling to the next level .

Angie, I am happy to assist you regarding paddling technique as long as you promise to turn my stomach into a 6pack!!

Wazza

Angie,
Can I still come seeing I don't have a Naish board??

Hi Angie,

I am tempted to buy one but dont know what size, been looking to try it, i am a polesailor by the way, and i am in friendly terms with kiters too.

i would drive down from brissy if there is a board to spare?

Wazza /Angie I'm in for some training , I'm still sorting out which board I will get , at the moment I have access to a mates 11'6 C4 , a Dale Chapman 10'6 and I am still to have a crack at Wazza 10'6 orange beast, I am very keen to try as many boards as I can before I buy.I want 2 boards a big one for long paddles , fishing taking kids and dog out ect , and a shorter performance board.

I plan to hit the local canals (Isle of Capri) around the 4.30 to 5pm mark most days to build some fitness and technicque.I also knock off work early on Fridays at 2pm so I can hook up after that is anyone is keen.

Rob

Wazza 66,
Any chance of you doing a video or discribe the correct paddling technique for surfing?
No other sweepers around my local beaches so I really don't have a clue if I'm paddling with the correct technique or not.
I don't have to many problems catching waves but if there is a technique out there that will make it easier I'm keen to give it a go?

Cheers
Ian

Hey Ian,

Most guys who SUP are mainly surfers firstly who have taught themselves how to paddle.

My background of paddling experiences comes from coaching and competing in Outrigger Canoe marathon/sprint races over the past 18 years.I also paddle racing skis in both flat water and surf.

I also have always been a surfer, so when SUP came around I jumped on it!!.
This sport combines it all.

The main point to remember when paddling is that you must use the large muscles in your body. In our case it is the muscles in your back.

Pretty simply .....little muscles in your arms,big muscles in your back!.


Your arm muscles will soon fatigue and your forearms will blowup like Popeye's, and you won't be able to hold your paddle properly if you don't have correct technique.

When you stand on your board ,imagine you are going to use your paddle like a pole vault. Plant your paddle out in front of you, and pull the board up to the paddle-not paddle to board.

Then reach forward with your bottom arm and rotate from your waist and pull back with your latisimus dorsi muscles(side of your back).Your bottom arm needs to be slightly bent.

Pull your paddle out at your feet as once your blade goes past you feet you have no power in the water.

Your top arm needs to be relaxed, slightly bent and your hand relaxed as being tight inhibits your movement.

Your head and shoulders should also be relaxed and don't look down,focus on the horizon or a point ahead of you.

I also use my legs to push and sink the rail in a bit when turning whilst paddling along.

You don't have to paddle at a fast rate to go quick.It is more about having an efficent stroke and technique.

Finally .....stand up tall, relax and breath whilst SUP paddling .

I do not profess to be an expert , but I hope you guys can make sense of my thoughts -they do work.

Happy Paddling,

Wazza

We do need an Angie Pangi and a Wazza in Melbourne. I think what you are initiating up there at the GC is great. You seem to have a really good vibe going - I hope you are able to keep the momentum going. If I lived there I wouldn't miss a session - in fact I'm going to suggest to my brother in law and his son give it a go - I know he'd love it.

It's probably only a matter of time before we have some training sessions like what you've started happening here in Melbourne - hopefully this summer. Until then please keep posting the tips and how it's progressing.

I'm really looking forward to coming up in a few weeks.

Thanks for that Wazza66,
Yep, I'm doing it the hard way, pulling the paddle to the board.
Bring on the weekend so I can give the correct technique a go.

Brooko,
I plan to come over when the wind drops off a bit. Can't complain though, sweeping in the morning and tea bagging in the arvo. Doesn't get much better than this. (a little bit of sun shine wouldn't go astray though).
A few of the local surfers have had a go on my starie and I reckon there will be a few more sweepers on the water over summer.

Oh, I got myself a 11'2" Starboard a couple of weeks ago and love it. Who knows maybe the 9'8" next!!
The 12'6" is gathering dust in the shed.

Weather report for you guys up north.
Sweeping the other day at 7am and it was zero degrees. These mornings really improve your balance.

Ian

Oh angie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oops...I posted the wrong quote. This is what I meant....

oliver said...

It's probably only a matter of time before we have some training sessions like what you've started happening here in Melbourne - hopefully this summer.

Oliver,
I'd be interested in doing fitness sessions here in Melbourne. I'd be willing to lead an 'unofficial' group paddle and exercise session. I don't reckon we should even wait for summer...put a wetty on, and let's go! You'll be wanting to jump in the water after a few exercises in the wetty.

Let's discuss on our next paddle.