If Your Feet Hurt, Blame it on Your Paddle!

Loading the paddle during the paddle stroke is key for support, balance, and if interested, performance (to go fast)! What does this all have to do with the feet I'll get to that. If your feet hurt while paddling and it’s not a medical issue, then it’s most likely overloading of the soles instead of getting your body weight out on to the paddle.

We did some experimenting and turns out we were right. If you try to drive down hard in the middle of the board and the feet take a beating. What you should be doing is reaching out and getting the body weight onto the paddle handle, shaft, and blade creating a force directive.

Points to Ponder and to get playful with:

1. Get out of the safe zone of the middle of the board when engaging the paddle. Reach out to the side and take some risks. Yes you might fall in once or twice, but who cares?
2. Keep your head up and stacked over spine “STOP LOOKING DOWN”. Your balance and comfortability will increase 10 fold.
3. Make smooth and non-distractive movements to gain confidence getting to the outside for the loading in the power cycle.
4. It’s imperative that the paddle length is optimal and contributes and does not take away! We specialize in getting the Paddle Metrics precise when we measure, cut, and build your new paddle. I can’t state enough how many people are using incorrect lengths and how hacked the charts are on the internet.
5. Try to have relaxed toes and ankles while still staying connected to your boat. Have fun and remember, this is a sport for recreation.

So get out there and be playful!