The Tahitian paddling technique demonstration. We call this the Tahitian technique but it is actually an accumulation of knowledge passed on by other experts and knowledge based on direct experience.

I am demonstrating and explaining the paddling technique along with our coach Jim Groark.

We are trying to demonstrate proper technique in gear 4 which is the longest stroke and used when the canoe is fully underway.

1. Lean forward while pushing top and bottom hand forward with straight elbows until you feel your top hand lat engaged.

2. Set the blade in the water without cavitation getting a good catch of the full blade. The angle of the blade entering the water should be slight.

3. Push your top hand forward while sitting upright and use your bottom hand as a pivot point and guide.

4. Push with maximum power with your top hand for the first 6-8 inches of blade movement at the top of the stroke and then stay connected to that hole in the water with enough power to track back with that hole as the canoe moves forward until you feel the release of the paddle.

5. You should feel equal pressure on both hands as you sit upright and your top and bottom arms acting as a pendulum swinging down.

6. Connect your hip to your heel with your core as your push your top hand forward. You should feel the canoe sliding forward under your heel. We call this "feeling your heel in your top hand".

7.Push your top hand forward with a straight elbow to the top of the gunnel. Keep your bottom arm straight until your top hand reaches the gunnel. You should feel the pressure release from the paddle at this point.

8. As you finish the stroke begin your lean forward, use your top hand to assist pulling the blade out of the water like a sword from a scabbard. Pull it straight forward and up alongside the gunnel. The bottom elbow will stay straight until you begin your lean forward. Then your bottom hand moves forward and up as your elbow breaks.

9. Once the blade exits the water start the stroke again.

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