Paddle 2 Fitness: Recent Episodes
Julian Norton-Smith
For over 20 years, Paddle 2 Fitness as helped paddlers become more efficient in their technique and helped educated them on polarising training methods. In these podcasts, we aim to improve paddlers technique by breaking each part down so you can easily understand and put into practice. We also discuss MAF and 80/20 training principles. We will have you paddling faster, paddling more efficiently and have more fun on the water.
This month we pair two parts of your stroke together so to help remind you of whats happening at the catch, stroke and exit. We hope that these three pairs will help you create a better activation and remember to focus on boat run through the transition phase / between strokes.
Happy Paddling, Coach
This month we are going to revisit Podcast#9 and explain this concept as a percentage. Our goal is to always keep paddling in a downwind and even when your coasting, you should remain in contact with the water and have some power on the catch. But how much power and when?
Happy Paddling, Coach
We are excited to be launching our newest coaching pathway to help you all improve your paddling. We have relaunched our YouTube channel and called it “Paddle 2 Fitness Coaching Channel”. On this channel we will have video content for you to watch and listen to as we paddle off the beach, downwind skills and […]
I have seen so much information around training levels, but what training level are you training at and then, what percentages are you training at when going long and slows or fast and short? In addition, what technique are you thinking about at these percentages? In this podcast, we talk training percentages and why you […]
We were out with a paddler the other week and they asked how can they improve their balance in messy water. To us their balance was good, they just needed a new drill for that extra 1-2%. The drill worked and the paddler found more speed. Happy Paddling, Coach
We had an email from a paddler asking why their shoulders and lower back hurt following a local event. After some questions, we worked out that the paddlers knees were the issue and came up with a clever drill in order to fix this issues which also improved their hip rotation. Happy Paddling, Coach
What do you do then you have the wrong craft for the conditions you are in? Then those around you are catching and you can’t seem to get your craft in the correct position to catch anything. Put simply, you need to adapt and adjust your craft to those conditions and quickly. In this podcast we discuss a situation I found myself in when racing in Tasmania, Australia and what I had to do to keep with the leaders.
Happy Paddling,
Coach
This month we are talking about paddle direction and what you need to know, look for and feel to make sure you are pulling the paddle through the water at the correct angle and not going too wide at the exit. When I was taught to paddle, we were coached to imagine a ‘J’ stroke as the paddle went through the water and ‘to pull it straight’ once our technique was correct. Lets discuss this and more.
This is a common question from paddlers and the reason is two main things. First is the angle or grip you have on the paddle and the second is leaving the pull shoulder forward putting stain on the peck muscles. In this podcast we discuss these two problems and give you exercise and new drills to work out which one you are doing. Happy paddling, Coach
It’s happened to all of us in a downwind training sessions or race. That moment when the nose of your craft goes up and your cockpit fills up. So what do you do in this situation to empty the water and get back up to speed? In this podcast we discuss how ‘the stall’ happens and what you can do to recover from it.
Happy Paddling and Happy New Year,
Coach
We have talked a lot over the years about leg drive and its importance. In this podcast we talk about the squeeze of your leg drive and how this simple technique drill will help you have better timing and power throughout your stroke making sure we squeeze and hold not squeeze and pop?
We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you all in 2023.
Happy Paddling
Coach
How many anchor points can you think of when paddling? What’s the most important one and which one will have you paddling with more control, power and speed? In this podcast we look at something new which we know will help you become a more efficient paddler. Happy paddling, Coach
Over our 30 years of coaching, we see that a lot of paddlers lose their catch. This is where a paddler cannot control the direction of their catch and the blade slides away from the craft instead of creating a ‘J’ shape. This can come from blade size, paddle length and or poor technique. Let’s […]
As we look to improve our training program and give you the paddler a better understanding on where you need to improve, we have added at MAF TT to our Peak Performance Training Program. Through the data we have now collected and by comparing your MAF TT (sub-maximal effort) to your Normal TT (maximal effort) […]
Put simply, your all addicted to resistance training! This is great to see and seeing we have been asked so many questions about it, we have had to add a second podcast on this topic. In this podcast we will answer questions like: what to do with the extra power gained from the resistance, more […]
Resistance training’s aim is to load the body through specific training. Like going to the gym, paddle resistance will load the correct muscles in sequence to help you improve your feel of the water and find any technique inefficiency’s. If this is your first time, start with a small amount of resistance and build up. […]
In this month’s podcast we discuss a way to increase acceleration without sacrificing technique or efficiency. A small change to your catch as well as keeping a full stroke through your exit phase will result in better acceleration which in turn, will help you catch more runners.
Working out the correct push arm height and knowing when your pushing correcting is a hard technique to learn. Reason being, you can’t see it until it’s all over. In this podcast we teach you what a strong push should feel like. Once you engage this feeling you’ll know if or when your push arm […]
What training should you do leading into a racing weekend? Should you train more or less, harder or slower? In this podcast, we talk about what training you should do, the day you should have off and revisit an old podcast on what to do on Race Day.
When someone walks with swagger, they walk with style, rhythm and one step simply rolls into the next. So let’s add this to your paddling. Paddling with swagger will increase power, improve balance, catch activation and have you paddling faster by simply adding one movement to your stroke. Add some swagger today. Happy paddling, Coach
Do you still struggle a bit in choppy, washing machine conditions, when waves are coming from all sides and are difficult to read, especially paddling close to cliffs? In this podcast we cover all of these conditions and more linking you back to past podcasts and teaching you how to bring them all together.
Are you are falling into the water at the exit of the stroke? Most surf ski paddlers continue to pull the paddle back behind their body resulting in them falling into the water as they lift the paddle out. This simple refocus on what to do in this situation should help you to control this […]
Adding a seat pad to your craft’s seat can do a number of positive thing. It can put your body in a better biomechanical position by increase body height above the water to give you more power and angle your hips forward. In this podcast, we explain all of these improvements and which seat pads […]
Wash Riding is a great training and racing skill which should be learnt in a safe environment with fellow paddlers. There are three different wash riding positions which we discuss in this podcast as well as the Gentleman’s Agreement when taking leads and also when changing positions.
Over the years of our podcasts, we have broken everything down into its parts. Now its time to bring them all together and discuss the importance of timing. Our focus is to get the correct sequence and ensure that the paddle is our first movement followed by rotation and leg drive. We also give you […]
When purchasing your first or upgrading your craft, its not as simply as just jumping up a model at the same weight as your current craft. A craft’s width and weight will make a massive difference with balance and you ability to be able to paddle with 100% power. This podcast will explain that jumping […]
As a coach of may years, I get this question a lot. While the question itself is simple, simply shortening your leg length to gain more power is not the answer. Like with all our podcasts, its a more efficient technique which will result in you shortening your leg length.
This month we discuss what paddlers mean when they say “keep downward pressure in both hands as the paddle goes through the water”. We explain the difference between a ‘parallel’ action and a ‘U’ action and give you the best technique drill so you know what downward pressure feels like. We would also love to […]
In this month’s podcast we discuss where you should be looking while paddling and why. Looking in the wrong direction or place can affect your technique, balance and efficiency. If looking in the right place, this will improve your breathing and boat control. If you are unsure where you should be looking, this is the […]
This month we discuss how to brace. Bracing is a skill that assists you with balance and control of your ski when you’re resting on a swell / wave. It is a very important skill to master and we trust this podcast will help you understand and put into practice. COACH
On this month’s podcast we are discussing paddle / blade size. What size you should have and how you can work out how to find it. For us its all about ‘feel’ in the water and we will explain how you can find this feel to make sure you have the right blade size for […]
In this month’s podcast we discuss why its important to be doing a proper warm before any race, time trail or sold training session. The aim of a warm up is to prepare the body for what its about to do. Our Paddle 2 Fitness 25min warm up, warms up your technique, power output and […]
This month we discuss 80/20 training or polarise training. This is where you train 80% of the time at a slow twitch fibre pace and 20% of the time at a fast twitch fibre pace. We work this type of training in conjunction with our last podcast ‘The 180 Formula’. However, here we are now […]
If I was to ask you that in a single session I could make you healthier, burn FAT and decrease your stress levels, would you? Dr Phil Maffetone’s ‘THE 180 FORMULA’ is the foundation on which I launched Paddle 2 Fitness and what we have used to train hundreds of our athletes in paddling and […]
A race start can make or break your race. In this month’s podcast we discuss warm ups, starting techniques and how much effort you should put into your start. Happy paddling, Coach
On this month’s Paddle 2 Fitness Podcast we help you understand how far an angle you should turn when your paddling in a downwind. We give you a vision of an old fashioned clock face, which will help you on where to look and turn your craft. We have only been using this drill for […]
Which is better: a paddle leash or a leg leash? Are they both safe or is one more unsafe than the other? In this month’s Paddle 2 Fitness Podcast we discuss the advantages and disadvantages in using both the paddle leash and the leg leash. In addition, we explain our thoughts on at which skill […]
In this month’s Paddle 2 Fitness Podcast, we talk about the slight adjustments for you to be more efficient when paddling into the wind. I was taught this by Dean Gardner almost 30 years ago and now teach it to my paddlers. The aim is to maintain your rhythm, not allow the paddle to lift […]
On this month’s Paddle 2 Fitness Podcast we discuss how to paddle over boat washes. Paddlers make a number of common errors when these small, closely compacted swells go under their paddling craft. We will explain how your paddle stroke can be adjusted to help paddle over them efficiently.
Foot peddle angle is one of the common things paddler’s overlook. If incorrect, it can affect your balance, footplate contact, leg drive as well as your ability to turn. This month we discuss the right and wrong angles and what happens if your foot peddles are incorrectly set up. Happy paddling
On this month’s Surf Ski Coach Podcast we ask you to see if you have one leg longer than the other. If the answer is yes, we give you a couple of ways to work this out as well as a simple solution.
In every sport, perfect posture is key. With perfect posture the body can generate and transfer power from perfect technique into speed. In this month’s Surf Ski Coach podcast, we explain what is poor posture, ways to understand / fix poor posture and a dry land exercise to help you improve poor posture. We are […]
On this month’s Surf Ski Coach podcast we talk about paddling over large, very step swells and why you should avoid launching your surf ski into the air. The aim is to keep you surf ski touching the water and paddle over the swell without separating your surf ski from the surface. We hope this […]
Following on from podcast #18, this month we will help you turn faster by using the same lateral control you have been practicing this past month. We will show you how to turn without using your pedals, have better control, tighter angles and much much faster. This will help with 180 degree turns as well […]
As beginner paddlers, our only focus is to stay upright. Improving lateral balance is the difference between staying dry or swimming. As your skills improve, lateral balance is a skill which will help you paddle faster is rougher conditions. In this month’s podcast, we teach you how to do this. We talk about how lateral […]
What is ‘Core Activation’ and how do you as a paddler turn it on and off? Welcome to 2019, in this episode we discuss the importance of activating your core not only when paddling but how to and why you need to activate it when paddling through the surf and catching swells during a downwind. […]
Ever wondered why you fall in at the exit of your paddling stroke? In this month’s podcast, we explain why this happens and what you can do through your paddling stroke to ensure it doesn’t happen again. As well as this, we are going to help you produce more power, be better balanced through your […]
This month’s Surf Ski Podcast is all about producing more power through the activation of our lat muscles. We at P2F see a lot of paddlers lifting their shoulders towards their ears when they pull the paddle past. This action deactivates the lat muscles with paddler switching to their trapezius muscles. In this podcast we […]
“Grip It and Rip It” what does this mean? In this month’s ‘Surf Ski Coach’ Podcast we explain the difference between gripping and grip pressure around the shaft both in the pull and push parts of the paddling stroke. For us at Paddle 2 Fitness with concentrate on two things … hip rotation & grip. […]
We have had an enquiry from one of our listeners about how to re mount their surf ski from a surf beach. So this month’s Surf Ski Coach Podcast is all about how to mount your surf ski from a surf beach and how to re-mount your surf ski from open water. Our Paddle 2 […]
When we start, balance is being able to simply sit on a surfski or kayak however, at all levels, poor balance will also effect your ability improve technique and produce power. This month we discuss the three different types of balance; lateral, footplate and internal. It is important to know which balance affects you most […]
In part three of our downwind surfski paddling podcast series, we are moving to catching the swell. This month we teach you some drills on how to paddle in overdrive. This is the ability to produce more power when already going at 100% of race pace. Sound impossible? Not when you know what you are […]
All the best surf ski paddlers are able to see and link the swells effortlessly, how? In our second part of Downwind Paddling, we talk about seeing the swell. Once you know what to look for and maintaining your average pace (Podcast #09), you will be dancing between the swells like the pro’s in no time. […]
This month we thought its time to start teaching our listeners how to paddle the perfect downwind. For us, there are several main fundamentals all paddlers first need to understand so over the next couple of podcasts, we are going to break each of them down so you can master each one before moving onto […]
Are you breathing correctly? Do you have a rhythm when you paddle slow or fast? In this month’s podcast, we’ll be talking to you about the importance of breathing and how we can get more oxygen into you body without changing the process but by increasing (or decreasing) the rhythm in which you breath. Please […]
This month we would like you to think about your footplate connection. A solid, forward pressure connection will improve your balance, control and handling of your ski or kayak. Our coaching advise is that you should always have some forward pressure from your toes and heels and simply apply more pressure to the single heel when […]
With the 2018 Australian Surf Life Saving season in full swing and a number of surf ski paddlers around the world having to paddle off a beach to get access to open water, we felt that this month we would discuss ‘Paddling Through Waves’. A simple skill once mastered, can be performed on any size wave. […]
All great coaches find / have a number of different ways in which they communicate to their athletes, while I would not say I deserve ‘great’ tag, I am always looking to find new way to communicate technical advise to my athletes. This month, I would like you to STOP focusing on leg drive. The […]
For us at P2F, to be a great downwind paddler, you have to find your catch. We have coached, and see, a number of paddlers on the water and the one thing we have noticed is the same paddlers are almost always riding the wash, never taking a lead. While these paddlers feel that they […]
Ever wondered why a 6’2″ paddler has the same paddle length as a 5’10”? This episode of Surf Ski Coach will explain why and give you a way to work out your own paddle length depending on your paddling height and what model of surf ski you paddle. A correct paddle length will enable you […]
Before we start talking about technique, lets make sure you have the correct paddle angle. Over the years I have seen too many paddlers, paddling with the incorrect angle for the type of paddle they have or due to physical limitations. This podcast will show you how to set YOUR correct paddle angle, giving you […]
I see a number of development to elite paddlers always looking for that 1% that will help them go faster. When I ask “where do you place your hands on the paddle shaft” they come back to me with a blank look or some type of 90 degree rule when you rest your paddle shaft […]
On the 1st July 2017, Paddle 2 Fitness launches a new surf ski coaching podcast, called Surf Ski Coach. The podcast will be a world first with tips on how to become a more efficient surf ski paddler, exercises to assist and paddler interviews. Our aim is for you to either listen to the podcast […]