Proper paddle stroke technique is very important and like all sports learning the proper techniques when 1st getting started will lead to not only an efficient fast stroke but quicker learning curve to excel.
Important to remember that stroking and SUP is very different to a Canoe. Canoes are Displacement Hulls and thus power application and technique for paddle can vary. For SUP it is a planning hull, so technique and paddle application need to facilitate the action required for the board surface to plane over the water. I like to say paddling SUP is like spinning a ball on your finger once it is spinning you just need to keep the body still and use the paddle in short quick stokes to keep it up.
Technique is also important for your body’s wellness and maximizing the overall benefits of SUP.

1-2) Feet parallel and body position in center balance point of the board in the water. Knees slightly bent, back straight, chin up and looking ahead. Never look at the board, best balance is achieved when looking ahead at horizon.
Bottom hand is always on the side the blade is on the board.

Fig.1 Fig.2

3-4) Your Ab’s at this point will be supporting your posture and this is the key to building the best core exercise and core fitness. Your ab’s should be engaged in proper stroke, not the lower back bending.

Fig.3 Fig.4

5-7) The stroke should be done with the least amount of body bending and more upper torso twisting. The stroke begins near the chin and is a drive and extension off the top arm like a punch utilizing the bottom hand as a fulcrum point. This twist and drive engages the Core muscles and the whole body. The stroke is short and crisp with the front or catch of the stroke being the key to the power application.

Fig.5 Fig.6 Fig.7

8-10) After the top arm is fully extended the twisted shoulder pulls the blade through until the release out to the side near the feet. Notice the bottom arm continues to be the fulcrum point and stays fairly straight, if you are pulling with the arms too much you are transferring the stroke power to arm paddling and away from the large muscles of the core.

Fig.8 Fig.9 Fig.10

Don’t bend at the waist.
Last pics) Don’t bend at the waist, this will cause the board to bounce and slow down and can cause back pain, if you are doing this it means you have transferred the power to your low back and away from the Ab’s, this is were the proper paddle length is important too. if you are pulling with the arms to much you are transferring the stroke power to arm paddling and away from the large muscles of the core. Remember we are planning surface and want to keep the ball spinning, once up to speed we need to just maintain it.

Fig.11 Fig.12

For more detailed video on stroke technique visit C4waterman.com

WORDS AND IMAGES COURTESY OF TODD BRADLEY & C4 WATERMAN