Performance Paddle Board Training with Audible Cadence Assistance

Cadence is defined as “The beat, time, or measure of rhythmical motion or activity” by Webster’s Dictionary. Last weeks Force and power blog #3 tip* says it all and where we are going with this weeks paradigm.

*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.

So what if we use cadence training to become more efficient, smooth, and use less energy? This is a direction I have been exploring this paddle season. What a season it’s been! So much learning, playing, and experimenting on and off the water to crack the code of performance paddle boarding.

Leonard Bernstein, a magnificent conductor, guided the orchestra and the intensity with his brilliance while lowering and raising the cadence. The result of his guidance and coaching made the New York Philharmonic Orchestra one of the best and most famous in the world!

Why am I talking about this? Well I have just gotten off the water experimenting with audible cadence training. I set my smartphone to emit a beeping sound between 30 (slower) and 60 (faster) beats per minute (BPM) and used this cue to determine the speed of my paddle stroke. The cadence I felt was the most rewarding and reinforcing for me was at 30 BPM. It’s sexy and cool to be fast, but to be smooth and fast with less expenditure is nirvana. We all recall the famous saying “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast”.

Note some initial observations below;

1.) Never have I been so easily focused and present during paddle training!

2.) I was able to synchronize my paddle, body, and board in a way I have never experienced.

3.) The transition through the various strokes per minute (SPM) got me to focus on being efficient as speed increased.

4.) With the sensory cueing I was less sloppy and didn’t rush my mechanics.

5.) The movement of my paddle through the water was deliciously patient and so purposeful.

6.) The discussion I have had about force and power production has a whole new exploration and application for me now.

7.) This audio modality is one of the best self coaching assets that I have ever used.

8.) It’s inexpensive, simple, and it’s a blast! You gotta try it!

Stay tuned next week for part 2 where I will dive into some heart rates and mph observations with my audible cadence training modality. I am so very excited about this new guidance tool and I know you will be too!