Information in this Edition
- A Note from Anita
- Focus on Fundamentals
We all know this is not a normal season. We had a year off the water, restricted from wide social contact, concerned for the health and well-being of friends and family, and in a state of general unrest.
In July things opened up and we have started reconnecting as well as reevaluating. Postponed trips have new departure times, time with family has taken on more importance, and people are making choices about how to spend their time in the period of uncertainty.
I want to acknowledge that I know this season is different and you might be making choices this season that you wouldn’t make if it was a regular full season.
We have a full practice schedule through October. We will be using the time to work on paddling fundamentals and workouts that build strength and cardio endurance. Even though practices are designed to build upon one another, there isn’t a point when you can’t join in.
Whether you’ve made every practice so far or haven’t made it to one yet, you are welcome on the boat.
And if life is pulling you in another direction right now, I look forward to seeing you soon.
Focusing on Fundamentals
Without any races to prepare for this season we have the gift of time to spend focusing on the fundamental elements necessary for a good stroke.
Our stroke can be broken into 3 main pieces. The Plant, the Pull, and the Lift. The Plant is the first part of the stroke where the blade is buried, the Pull is the part of the stroke where we are pulling the boat up to where the blade is buried, and the Lift is where we exit the blade from the water and move forward to set up for the next stroke.
The Pull
We are going to start our focus on the Pull. It is the part of the stroke that lasts the longest amount of time and does the most to propel the boat forward.
When viewed from the outside of the boat it looks to the untrained eye like paddlers pull the blade/paddle back to their bodies. However, a powerful stroke requires paddlers to focus pulling with their body rather than their arms.
While working alone in my living room, I created the video below to give you some things to think about before getting back on the water.
Pull with Body ... Anita Stacey on Vimeo.
One of the most important parts of the Pull is that your bottom arm must be straight and you need to apply pressure/resistance with both your top and bottom arm to pull yourself up to where you planted the blade. It requires a mind shift from thinking of pulling the blade back to you to pulling yourself up to your blade. Watch the video and see if you can feel the difference by doing the same thing.
Do you have a chair with wheels? Try pulling yourself across the room using your paddle.
Walking Workout
