11 Tips for Finding Force and Power in Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Greetings Everyone,

We hope you had a nice holiday weekend and got out and paddled and had tons of FUN! It’s been great for me getting back out on the water after a few weeks off. I was out testing new 2025 Starboard Gear like the Velocity Paddle, Flash Plus (+) Fin, and shooting content for my own training technique and social media. This week is all about force, power generation, and entry angle so here goes.

After reviewing various pros and recreational athletes on video, it’s apparent that the difference in force and power is huge. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit this is an issue even for me as well! I will be relating my definitions to paddling, but there are other force productions like in kettlebells, martial arts, golf, and other activities that are worth studying.

Force is a kinetic energy influence that can speed up or slow down a movement. Being able to take potential energy and harness it for kinetic energy in your stroke is very useful and will enhance overall performance. Power is the velocity and intensity of the movement, let’s say, during a push or pull for example. For performance paddling power comes from the ability to create force with intention and execution.

In looking at the set up, when we make contact with the water with our paddle blade ask yourself, “How do I activate my force”? You can then extrapolate if you are a powerful paddler such as a Michael Booth or if you’re leaving power and money on the table. These subject matters would be very relevant in anyones’ quest for MPH or KM/H increases for performance paddling.

1.) Good technique allows for efficient force.

2.) Produce more force, and you will have more power.

3.) Looking like you are paddling 6mph effort wise and only going 3mph is a problem. Looking like you’re paddling 3mph while going 6mph is skill.

4.) Learn movement and technique efficiency first, then add force, then add power.

5.) Own a superior fitness system that includes aerobic, anaerobic, strength, strength speed, strength power, and a healthy central nervous system.

6.) Efficient motor patterns in your stroke sequencing will enable competent force production.

7.) Have a robust endurance system to repeat the stroke mechanics over time without fatiguing and thus losing FORCE.

8.) The more Strokes Per Minute (SPM) with functioning force capabilities will increase your power.

9.) Produce more force and you will have more power if you can sustain it.

10.) Competent technical skills complements force production

11.) Having strength capabilities and reserves enables force production and power production.

As you know, we are humble experts always asking why, how, and what and trying to learn as much as possible. This enables us to be better coaches and players with our respective sports. This is just the tip of the spear for performance stand up paddleboarding. Research and read as much as possible in the fascinating and compelling aspects of strength, force, and power.