Proper Blade Placement Exercise
Side To Side Blade Manipulation

Here is a good sequence I have developed over the years to help paddlers practice proper hand positions, when switching braces and strokes from side to side. As you go through this sequence, you are focusing on the proper hand positions on the paddle shaft, which will translate to the proper blade positions.  You will be moving your hands and rotating the paddle shaft as needed to find the most efficient way to get your hand into proper grip position.

As you go through this sequence, focus on your hands and paddle shaft movements.  Remember, we do NOT want to exaggerate any wrist movements during this exercise.  Your goal is correct grip and correct blade position.

Proper Hand Position Sequence

Onside low brace

Offside low brace

Offside high brace

Onside high brace

Onside low brace

Offside high brace

Offside low brace

Onside high brace

Offside high brace

Onside low brace

Onside high brace

Offside low brace

Onside low brace

Since the key to a reliable brace is the catch, you need to be able to get your blade into the correct position with the proper grip.  Regularly going through this suggested sequence will help you to that end.

Your ultimate goal is to get to a point where you can move from side to side, to either a high or low brace, without thinking about the movement and have your eyes closed. Then you will be ready for proper blade placement with the proper grip for an unexpected capsize, which is the beginning of reliable bracing.

This sequence covers all the possible variations of moving between high to low and side to side braces. Practice often!!!

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