Читать книгу Paddles Up!. Dragon Boat Racing in Canada онлайн

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Though some crews may not be interested in boat speed, most crews are. Often, coaches will offer increased boat speed as the sole reason to make technical changes and to paddle efficiently; however, boat speed is not the sole reason to paddle efficiently.

Several key elements of the proper paddling technique are listed and described below. Many different styles and perspectives on technique are prevalent. In general, style refers to sequencing of body movements and movement of the paddle when the paddle is out of the water. Dragon boat attracts many experienced, world-class paddlers from other paddling disciplines, such as flatwater, marathon, outrigger, et cetera. These paddlers have developed different stroke aspects, even bad habits, but can maintain extremely powerful connection with the water. Their high fitness level, built over many years and combined with their water connection, enables them to paddle extremely effectively in dragon boat. Through a different “style” they are still able to achieve boat efficiency — when the paddle is in the water, the blade angle is optimal and they are engaging core muscles. Therefore, there are different ways to be successful and achieve boat efficiency, particularly when the paddle is out of the water.