Step 1: Point It
Downstream and Go Fast!!
Step 2: Point It
Downstream and Go Fast!!
Step 3: Okay, you get
the picture
For years this has worked well for me,
but here are a few specific things to try for improving your speed while racing
down river.
In the River:
·
Get comfortable reading currents, look at where
you can save distance yet remain in fast water
·
Remember fast currents hug the outside of river
bends, but these are often longer routes
·
Avoid having waves hit you in the chest, this
kills speed
·
Paddle on the backside of waves to achieve more
momentum
·
Use the top of waves to turn, more of the boat
will be out of the water
·
In real long boats edge to the outside of your
turn
·
Skirt rocks to use eddy lines for increased
speed boosts
·
Use more torso power and get an instructor to
help improve paddling technique
·
Use a quicker stroke rotation, but still get
good purchase on the water
·
Try to keep the boat quite underneath you
·
Train with someone fast
·
Watch out for dark rocks and keep your head up
On Land:
·
Warm-up
·
Stretch
·
Eat good food, not fast food
·
Drink water
·
Cross train / weight lift
·
Learn and visualize your run
·
Get a good nights rest
James Sullivan words of wisdom “Race your own race, don’t be
intimidated by others, just do the best you can do”
Mike Porter words of wisdom “If you get spun around go
backwards until you end up spinning again”
Hillary Friedman aka “guns” words of wisdom “Just try
harder, just pull harder”… Okay, I told
her that
And remember, above all else… “Point it Downstream and Go
Fast”
