Nice one Beau 🤙
I skim my blade ready to brace while doing a step back all time, it’s a really good habit to get into 😊
This is really good practice for when you know your stability may be compromised (going over chop, undercurrents, performing any foot movement or, as you say, stabilising yourself during turns). Here's a couple of tips to fine tune it:
Awareness - keep an eye out for hazards because this technique works best if you're prepared.
Space - pull your stroke all the way back and start your brace behind you. This gives more space to swing the paddle and generate lift from the blade.
Speed & Timing - more speed on the blade = more lift. Don't blow it all at once, hold the brace behind you and use board speed until you need a little extra. Try and avoid ending up with no board speed and nowhere to swing the paddle.
Posture - keep your hands low (for a flat blade against the water) and your head high. Don't lean forward, keep your head over your COG and bend your legs.
Feathering - angle your blade so that the back (upward facing) is completely dry. Too little angle (water flows over the leading edge) and you won't create any lift. Too much angle (water sucks over the trailing edge) and the drag will slow you down.
Amazing insights Mungo. You have so much knowledge of paddle strokes and explaining techniques. Very inspiring. Thanks for the sharing. Beau
How is the leash attached to the body at 3:16? It looks a bit like a VHF radio (obviously it's not that), magically stuck to the paddler's back.
Hehe, great spot. The PFD we are wearing has a quick release function for paddling in moving water, and we have connected the leash to this. Thanks, Beau
Thanks for this explanation, lots of useful info here. What's the Supboarder take on Sup Freestyle? I'd love to see you guys showing of your skills in a freestyle routine. How about a Supboarder kickflip challenge - go on you know you want too :)
I hit a wave once and couldn't do anything about it. Fell face first and broke my nose, scraped up my face and broke glasses. Happened so fast.
Oh No!! Hope you are still paddling after that experience? This has happened to a quite a few people... Thanks, Beau
Newbie tip - to avoid looking like a newbie: when all else fails, make sure you are ready to fall on your knees on the board, and immediately start fiddling with your stuff in your dry bag in front of you…
Haha love it. Have definitely done this before 🤣