Power Transfer and the Fundamentals of Paddlesport
When coaching sea kayaking I frequently see a lot of confusion about exactly what trunk rotation is, and what is all that talk of ‘pedaling’ with the feet about? The term ‘trunk rotation’ implies that the torso rotates, but what is the relationship between trunk rotation and pedaling with the feet?
In fact, the term ‘trunk rotation’ is a little misleading. ‘Body rotation’ is a better description as the whole body rotates in relationship with the kayak, and the rotation is started from the feet. By pressing on one foot or the other, the leg straightens and the hip is driven into the back rest. This enables the torso to rotate easily because the hips are already leading the rotation.
Have a look at this video applying the concept of leading with the hips to the forward sweep.
When performing any technique which requires trunk (or body) rotation, instead of leading with the head, lead with your hips instead, and do this by pushing with one foot. This is a two part process. Pushing with one foot before planting the paddle is the wind up. Once the ‘wind up’ is complete by leading with the hips, the power transfer happens by planting the paddle and pushing with the other foot to unwind the hips and following with the torso.
Being able to transfer power efficiently is one of the fundamentals of paddlesport (along with posture, connectivity and feel). And efficient power transfer is all about driving the kayak with your feet during the unwind. However, this is only possible if the wind up has set the body up properly first. So lead with your hips – wind up by pointing your hips where you want to go by pressing with a foot first.
