We all know that kayak technique is key to performance. An efficient and effective stroke gets you down the course faster. But how is technique usually coached?
Traditionally, it’s done on the water, athlete in the boat, coach nearby, shouting cues like:
- Keep your top arm back!
- Use more rotation!
- Reach forward more!
- You’re using too much arms!
The problem? These cues only work if the paddler and coach share the same “technique language.” Without a clear understanding, things get confusing, leading to frustration for both.
The Limitations of On-Water Coaching
Besides communication barriers, on-water technique coaching has other challenges:
- Balance & stability – You’re trying to stay upright while listening and trying new things.
- External distractions – Other water users, weather conditions, other external factors can pull focus
- Inefficiency – More time talking, less time paddling. Plus, travel, changing, and setup add wasted time.
- Over-focus on arms – Many coaching cues emphasize arm movement, but real power comes from the legs, trunk, and shoulders.
The Solution: Land Based Technique Training
Training off the water eliminates these barriers and helps you lock in proper technique faster. Benefits include:
✅ Clear understanding of technique cues – Learn them on land first, so they actually make sense on the water.
✅ No balance issues – Focus purely on movement without worrying about falling in.
✅ No distractions – Master your technique without external interruptions.
✅ Repeatable practice – Train anytime, anywhere—speeding up your improvement.
✅ More time paddling – Once technique is dialled in, you can spend more time actually paddling (which is often the hardest but most important part).
Once the land work has been done then move to on water drills and the coaching cues will be some much more effective.
Train With Me
I’ve developed a follow along session of minimal-equipment exercises designed to help you understand and feel proper technique. This will instantly improve how you move your body to become a stronger, more efficient paddler.
🎥 Follow-along video here
Want to train in person? I offer private technique sessions—I’ll even come to you!
📩 Email me at ben@strongpaddler.com to book a session.
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