3 Ways to Paddle Faster

Our friends over at SUPBoardGuide have Bill Dawes with them again. He’s going to talk about how to make your paddleboard go faster. Bill is a long time paddler, currenlty based in New Zealand. Watch the video, and follow along with the transcription below.

To enhance your paddling speed, you don’t necessarily need a specialized racing board; these techniques are effective even with a touring board. There are three main strategies to increase your speed: refining your technique, increasing your stroke rate, and boosting the power of each stroke. Let’s explore these methods in detail.

1. Technique Improvement: Start by honing your technique to ensure a solid foundation. Avoid sacrificing form for speed, which leads to inefficient paddling. Focus on maintaining your paddle blade in the positive or neutral zones during the stroke to maximize efficiency. Proper technique includes a solid catch, maintaining good angles during the power phase, and executing a clean release. This forms the core of efficient paddling and should be the first area of focus.
2. Increasing Stroke Rate (Cadence): You can increase your paddling speed by either shortening your strokes or reducing the time between strokes. Avoiding a metronomic rhythm helps minimize wasted time during the return phase of the stroke. Experiment with these adjustments to find the most effective rhythm and stroke rate for you. Remember, while working on increasing cadence, maintaining the technique is crucial.
3. Enhancing Stroke Power: Rather than just increasing speed, focus on the power of each stroke. This involves engaging more muscles during the stroke and potentially altering the depth and reach of your paddle in the water. This method is especially beneficial for those who may not favor high-speed paddling due to physical preferences or constraints.

Each of these methods can be adjusted and tailored based on individual needs and conditions. It’s beneficial to work with a coach to refine these techniques further, as they can provide personalized guidance and help identify areas of your stroke that may need adjustment for optimal power and efficiency.

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