Here is part 3 in our series on outrigger paddling technique.
Outrigger Paddling Technique Part 3
…continued from part 1 and part 2
Catch Phase
This phase commences once the full blade is in the water and can be considered as the preparation for the power phase. It delivers lift to the canoe and minimizes drag on the canoe. Pull the canoe through the water.
- -Start body rotation and apply pressure to the top hand, this moves the canoe forward and creates lift.
- -the paddle shaft moves toward the vertical and becomes fully anchored.
Power Phase
The blade is now aligned with the maximum surface area and the canoe is ready to absorb the surge of power. Pull with power.
- -Drive with the extended leg.
- -Rotate with locked arms.
- -Straighten upper body.
- -Focus on pulling the canoe through the water creating a power surge.
Exit Phase
This phase occurs once the blade reaches the mid-thigh to hip. Leaving the blade in the water past this point increases drag.
- -Everyone at the same time.
- -Rotation is complete and the blade is quickly removed from the water by rolling the shoulders to lift the bottom and drop the top hand.
- -Some bend naturally occurs in the the bottom arm at this stage.
- -There should be no power applied, focus on getting the blade clear of the water.
Recovery Phase
Return the paddle to the Set Up Phase.
- -Relax and recover.
- -Twist top wrist to feather the blade over the water.
- -Rotate back to the set up position, straightening the bottom arm.
- -* Keep bottom hand travel parallel and just off the canoe side.
Next week, the fourth and final part in our series on outrigger paddling technique features a video to visually demonstrate good paddling technique.
