CATCH PHASE

Detailed Description

Similar to the ski, the “Catch Phase” of the board stroke is one of the most important phases as it is provides the initial acceleration which lifts the board onto a “plane”. It also helps the board run more smoothly as it provides the lift needed to clear wind chops and small waves in rough water.

PULL PHASE

Detailed Description

The Pull Phase, along with the catch is where the paddler is able to generate the most amount of force and can gain the most forward drive out of the board.  It is also the phase that enables the paddler to be able to successfully negotiate oncoming waves by giving them enough speed to bounce the board over the waves.

PUSH PHASE

Detailed Description

The Push Phase part of the board stroke is what enables the board to continue to drive forward whilst the arms are in the recovery phase

RECOVERY PHASE

Detailed Description

Again, similar to a ski stroke, the “Recovery” is the part of the stroke which can be most utilised by the paddler to conserve energy.  It is also  the one area that can make even the best paddlers lose the most distance if done incorrectly so is a very important part of the overall stroke. 

THE BOARD START

Detailed Description

The board start is where the paddler is able to ‘set’ themselves up for a tactically good race. It is very difficult on a board to be able to paddle around the outside of a pack of paddlers ahead of you and so it is important that the start be done correctly and efficiently.

PLEASE NOTE: This page may take longer to download due to the detailed description of the starting technique.