Paddling is always unstable (some say the same about many paddlers). Just getting in the boat can be a balancing act of it’s own. Once you’re in the boat you’re always mindful of your positioning to keep the hairy side up. I am not a big proponent of combining a lot of weight with balance …
What is torso rotation?
Torso rotation is critical to paddling success.  As instructors, we talk about it all the time. But what does it really mean, what causes it to happen, and most importantly how do you train for it? Let’s start by defining where torso rotation comes from. When most people hear “the core” in relation to their bodies, they …
Resistance Band Exercises for Paddlers
Resistance bands are a great tool. They’re portable, they don’t limit you to the indoor world, and they’re progressive, meaning the more load you place on the band the more resistance it provides to you. Today’s post will introduce you to a few of the ways you can use a resistance band to develop better …
Energy Balance
The advice I’m going to give you today doesn’t involve diet pills or potions or any other crazy things you’ll find in your local drug store. It’s not even directly related to exercise, but it is important to help you be a better paddler. It’s rare that I meet someone who isn’t interested in shedding …
Power to the Paddle is now in print
The long-awaited print version of Power to the Paddle: Exercises to Improve your Canoe and Kayak Paddling is now available. This comprehensive manual will show you more than 50 exercises to help you be a stronger, lighter, and more confident paddler. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, Power to the …
Do your feet fall asleep in your kayak?
I’ve had many people tell me that their feet fall asleep when they’re kayaking. For many people, the cause of this isn’t actually at the feet, but it’s a result of tight hamstrings and glutes. If the hamstrings and glutes are overly stressed or inflamed, additional pressure is placed on the nerves causing pins and …
Power to the Paddle is now available on Amazon.com
I am excited to announce that my new book, “Power to the Paddle: Exercises to Improve your Canoe and Kayak Paddling“, is now available in print and digital format. Power to the Paddle is packed with fitness guidance and complete descriptions and photos of more than 50 exercises to improve your abilities and help you …
Resistance Band Exercise: Row, row, row your boat
I’ve had a few requests recently to show exercises that can be done using a resistance band. For those who aren’t familiar with resistance bands, they’re pieces of rubber tubing with handles on each end. You can find them in different thicknesses which will create diffrent levels of tension. Resistance bands are an excellent tool …
Core Stability Exercises for Paddlers
Strengthen your core and you’ll strengthen your paddling abilities. Many people, when thinking of how they can improve their ability as a paddler through exercise automatically turn to the arms and shoulders. While yes, strong and stable arms and shoulders are critical, the real work should come from your core. Most people narrowly define the …