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Forthcoming
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TechniqueIn Hong Kong, a tremendous amount of controversy revolves around the optimum paddling ‘style’, which is often couched in as much mystery as that of the winged keel. The rudiments of dragon boat technique, however, are common to most forms of paddling, such as kayaking, marathon canoeing, outrigger or even rowing for that matter. Dragonboating or outrigger canoeing are most closely related to C1 canoeing which involves a very similar pattern of movement and is a useful comparison due to the large amount of research data is available on this particular stroke. The basis of a good paddling technique is the emphasis on ‘the forward stroke’ ie. applying power in the water in front of your body. Many good paddlers keep it to basics and will tell you to ‘just get the paddle in deep and clean and pull like hell with lots of length, as many times as possible’. Though this may sound simple enough, there are a complex series of movements required to execute ‘the forward stroke’ efficiently and effectively. Understanding the components of stroke technique is vital to accurate analysis of an individuals’ paddling style. The four critical phases in the forward stroke are the CATCH (anchoring the blade), COMPRESSION (the power phase), the FINISH (getting out of the water) and the RECOVERY (getting forward to a ready position). The characteristics of different ‘styles’ may be due to variations in one or perhaps in every phase of the stroke, though the principles behind each phase are universal. We must accept that style may also vary from person to person depending on body size and stature which can work to the advantage of the team due to the different physical constraints of each seat position. Equally important, we must recognize that ‘style’ changes as stroke rating increases and the stroke length is decreased. Many paddlers experience difficulties in attempting to apply the characteristics of a longer, slower technique to a faster rating. A smooth running of the boat results from paddlers not only going into the water at the same time, but moving through each phase of the stroke in perfect unity. The complete stroke must also be seen as a cooperative product of its parts, executed in one unified motion, not as a series of independent movements. Individual paddlers should create a mental image of each stroke phase both on the water and off, understanding its components intimately and how they effect performance. Analysis of technique can be made easier by isolating the disposition of the paddle in relation to the boat and by tracking key reference points on the body, namely the wrist, the elbow and the shoulder. It is useful for paddlers to know the position of these points relative to their own stroke and in relation to an ideal model. |
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