How fast should I paddle? A question, which is frequently asked, but what is the answer? Surely as coaches we should be able to give our students advice on something, which constitutes probably 99% of the time we spend on the water. Cyclists, for example, spend a considerable amount of time considering cadence and it is probably time to consider its application to sea kayaking.
I have spent many sessions throughout the world in the company of a large number of paddlers of a range of abilities and have found that the following exercise is useful for encouraging thought and discussion. As a group, paddle forwards and count the number of right hand paddle strokes performed during a 5 minute period. At the end of the exercise group together and ask them to shout out the number of strokes performed.
Ideal conditions of Milos in which to practice effective forward paddling
I have found that in the majority of cases, paddlers who are experienced sea kayakers will have performed between 135 and 145 right hand strokes. The length of the paddle, type of kayak and body shape of the paddler seems to have very little impact on the number of strokes, which have been performed. If the exercise is repeated in different sea conditions, for example, a head wind or a following sea it appears to have very little impact on the number of strokes, which are performed.
An effective stroke enables the paddler to spend hours exploring the coastline
There is no scientific evidence to explain how the above rates have been obtained and whether they are the most effective. What I do know is that when paddling with experienced paddlers from Canada, United States, France, Scotland or England we have all fallen within the 135 to 145 bracket. Even if you are sceptical of the figures they are a starting point for an interesting coaching session.
My recommendation is to get out there on the water and experiment prior to discarding these ideas. Clearly if you are able to confirm the above figures or have a completely opposing point of view please get in touch.
When conditions do deteriorate then an effective stroke and an appropriate stroke rate comes into its own
