Dropping In Surf Show Podcast How To Paddle Faster - Hand Speed vs Velocity and Propulsion
Jun 17, 2024
New research on what really speeds up paddling is broken down into hand kinematics, pressure sensors, and motion-capture trials. The show contrasts hand speed, palm versus dorsal pressure, and how lift from vortices boosts propulsion. Practical timing, body roll, and safe drills for faster three-stroke bursts are highlighted.
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Use A Three Stroke Burst For Wave Catching
- Use a three-stroke burst for wave catching: three quick, effective strokes within 1.5 seconds.
- Each stroke must be effective—maximize drag and lift propulsion—to accelerate into a wave quickly.
Hand Speed Predicts Sprint Velocity
- Faster hand speed strongly correlates with higher swim velocity and greater hydrodynamic force.
- Study found hand speed vs velocity r=0.881 and hand speed vs propulsive force ~0.8 using 24 sprint swimmers at full speed.
Dorsal Negative Pressure Drives Propulsion
- Lower pressure on the dorsal (back) side of the hand is tightly linked to higher hand speed, propulsive force, and swimmer velocity.
- Dorsal pressure had negative correlations: hand speed r≈-0.72, propulsive force r≈-0.656, velocity r≈-0.676.