The Proper Paddler: Posture & Body Mechanics

By Jay Gitomer

The Proper Paddler: Posture & Body Mechanics is a head-to-toe look at the principles and applications of body position and movement for kayakers. Written in plain English, The Proper Paddler is intended to help intermediate paddlers take their skills to the next level. The book explains why how changes in posture affect stability and endurance and includes illustrations, a red-flag checklist to help you diagnose your own posture, and a short list of posture principles that you’ll be able to remember when you’re on the water.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jay Gitomer
• Release date: Nov 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310310478

Jay Gitomer

Jay Gitomer is the owner-operator of Blue World Paddlesports and the founder of Babes with Blades All-Women, No-Yelling Paddling Events. She is an ACA Level 3 Coastal Kayak Instructor, BCU UKCC Level 1 Paddlesports Coach, and BCU 4-Star Leader. She is known for her creative, fun approach to training. Jay runs the paddleboard club Baltimore Boards, is a former coordinator of the Chesapeake Paddlers Association, and volunteers with Team River Runner to help wounded service people. Jay also sits on the Advisory Committee of the Safety Education and Instruction Council of the American Canoe Association.

Book preview

The Proper Paddler

Posture & Body Mechanics for Kayakers

By Jay Gitomer

Copyright 2013 Jay Gitomer

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Table of Contents

The Head & Neck

Wide Straight Arms

Loose Hands

A Tall Torso

At Last, Legs & Feet

Red Flag Checklist

Principles of Posture

Connect with the Author

Free Book Sample

About the Author

The Head & Neck

The head comprises about 10% of the total weight of a human body. Think of it – your head alone weighs, what, 15 pounds, 18 pounds, maybe 20 pounds? That’s a lot of weight (no offense).

Imagine placing a 15-lb weight on one side of your boat. What do you think would happen? You’d probably be swimming. Now imagine placing that weight in the middle of the boat. Nothing would happen.

A paddler's head belongs over the boat's centerline in the normal course of paddling*. Keeping the head over the centerline keeps the boat from tipping to one side. Simple. This is most important to keep in mind when edging; the boat may be tilted, but the head still must remain over the center. Otherwise,