fitness paddling: exercise, train, race by kayak & canoe

All good things are built from a solid base, and this is no truer than in our world of canoeing. The basics of the forward stroke are the most important part of a good technique because all the other elements fall easily into place after this. And a good technique not only allows you to paddle farther and faster with less effort, but makes you safer in the water and prevents injuries.

There is also an interesting review of three more technical papers on a wing paddle technique by All Bowers:

Recent discussions on wing paddles, their technique, and the method by which they work, have generated some differences in opinions and views. These are some of the only open literature data available on the topic. These data were from three sources, two from Ross Sanders and one from PS Jackson. The information is presented here with original statements (abstracts) from the papers, and some interpretation by this observer. No claim is made as to the accuracy or veracity of the data or the analysis or subsequent discussion. The data is presented only as information that may be used as basis for further exploration of the use of wing paddles.

• A Description of Olympic Kayak Stroke Technique
• The Technique of Elite Flatwater Kayak Paddlers Using the Wing Paddle
• Performance Prediction for Olympic Kayaks