Paddling workshop
This workshop is available on demand for kayak or outrigger canoe paddlers. I am an experienced and successful racing and sea kayaker and outrigger paddler as well as a Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement teacher (see about me).
This workshop is not about the paddle stroke itself, but about learning how to move optimally, with a focus on those movement patterns most relevant to paddling
Introduction (30 min talk, using skeleton to illustrate and some short lessons)
- Importance of general movement training to complement specific paddle training
- Introduction to your self
- Pelvis as the power base
- Primacy of neuromuscular coordination over pure muscular strength
- Need for equal tonus throughout the musculature
- How to improve movement
The base (1 hour lesson)
- Awareness of sit bones and role of pelvis – the essential foundation of a good paddling stroke
Break
Rotation (1 hour lesson)
- Improving rotation, maximising use of every vertebra in the spine, flexible rib-cage
Break
Shoulder flexibility (1 hour lesson)
- Efficient use of those critical shoulder blades
Wrap-up (15 min talk)
- Efficient use of forearm and hand
- How to train most efficiently - the importance of awareness
This workshop will be on land - a venue with sufficient floor space for each student is required. I could also conduct a follow-on workshop 'on the water'.