Higher Pivots for Longer Power
A good wind up extends the tip of the blade forward, rather than reaching both arms forward for the plant. You pull yourself further if the tip of the blade enters the water farther forward. Reach with your bottom hand and bend your top arm slightly.
Once the blade is in the water, minimize how much you punch with the top hand. Instead, drive your top shoulder forward. This moves your top hand too. Maximize your ‘pull’ with your torso.
PHOTO: Punching with the top arm lowers the pivot point of the paddle. This reduces blade bite on the water.
PHOTO: A high pivot point gives you better purchase on the water. Push with the top shoulder, don’t punch with the top hand.
Hint: ‘Pulling’ should happen through a nearly straight bottom arm, so more of your power comes from the torso.