Once you have determined the most effective and efficient form of each of these variables; spend some time to incorporate them into your forward stroke. Next, go back to the distance course. Once again time yourself and count your strokes at a cruising speed, and then as fast as you can. Was there a positive improvement in speed? Did you cover the distance with fewer strokes?

Keep in mind that there is no perfect stroke, and no precise picture of what your most effective and efficient stroke is going to look like. If you want to go forward fast, then it certainly makes sense to look closely at the style and technique of the fastest paddlers. Glean what you can from them and apply what you learn (with modifications) to your own style. Each of us can improve our paddling to become safer, more effective and more efficient. Finding out what doesn’t work is just as important as finding out what does, so go out there and experiment!

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