Paddling seems like a pleasant thing to do, but, ouch, you’ve got that back problem and don’t think this sport is for you. And yes, it looks simple but there are so many risks. What if you capsize? What if you cannot manage the current? What if you cannot get the canoe or kayak to go in the direction that you want it to? Set aside these concerns and enjoy yourself with our article about paddling, below.
The Essence of Paddling
For many Scandinavians, life on the water in the warm season is second nature. The desire for closeness to this medium that opens up a whole new world of activity during the spring, summer and early autumn is visible on every Nordic body of water. Closeness also means learning to work with the water and the wind to move yourself around. Motor boats are fun but becoming one with the elements as one does in a vessel without using a motor, can be something that gives you a rare glimpse of the oneness of things.
This paddling perspective is something that many famous and less known paddlers have commented upon. Magnus Fischer, who kayaked his way right around Scandinavia found that his perspective about life changed so much upon his return from his journey that he decided to change his job and reorient his life (see www.utsidan.se/ for more about Magnus' courses). Our favourite comment about paddling comes from a lesser-known paddler and concerns the essence of the art of paddling:
"Zen and the Art of Paddling" Developing as a paddler is a question of attitude. Those who pursue paddling as an ego trip are heading for a dead end…It is not about physical strength…Neither is it about mental motivation. The ego paddler’s here and now lacks value. He/she wants to be “there” instead…he/she has not understood that the goal is inside him/herself and that satisfaction is here and now.” (www.thomassondesign.com)
Addressing Physical Concerns
If you are still worried about that bad back of yours, here is a bit of good news for you about paddling. This is a sport that can in fact improve rather than worsen your back problem if you use the right technique. Correct paddling, with a bit of fitness training on the side, is a sport that develops torso and leg strength. Strengthening these areas of the body lifts the stress on the back. The Flatömethod has been developed by paddlers on the West Coast of Sweden who believe in the virtues of paddling for strengthing the back (see www.flatokajak.com/). And for those of you with shoulder and arm problems: correct paddling is not mainly shoulder and arm work.
Doing It Right
So, what is correct paddling? It isn't gathering a mass of seaweed (left picture)! Here are 6 main principles to think of as you step into that canoe or kayak:
1. For canoers: You have a shaft hand which is lower down on the paddle and determines power and a grip hand holding the top of the shaft that determines direction. Your hands should be shoulder width apart.
2. For kayakers: Hold the paddle horizontal above your head and slide out your hands so that your elbows are at right angles. Lower the paddle in front of you and make sure your hands are equidistant from the paddles.
3. If you want to propel yourself straight forward, your paddle must go into the water vertically. Any angles will shift the direction of the boat.
4. Allow your torso to follow your blade through each stroke in order to avoid this becoming pure arm work.
5. To turn left or right take a sundial stroke to the right or left respectively, i.e. a wide sweeping stroke.
6. To move sideways draw yourself in towards your paddle.
(for more about what and how to paddle in English see www.paddlesportsindustry.org)
Turning Over
Worried about capsizing? If, for some reason, your boat turns over you needn’t worry as long as you’ve got a life jacket on. In a kayak there is some technique to getting out which needs practice. The main idea is to keep your legs straight and summersault yourself out. Gravity will get you out of that boat! If you are far away from home, having dry clothes sealed in a plastic bag in a back pack can be a good idea unless you’ve got a wet suit on.
One of the best things about fitness through paddling is that you forget that you are getting fit! Closeness to the water and the natural beauty all around you makes you forget about the exertion. Everything flows.
Change your perspective
