Any person of any age can learn how to paddle with the right equipment and support. MP Paddlers are committed to supporting people to improve their skills and knowledge in paddle sports. Check out some of the resources below and contact info@mppaddlers.org.

Learn how to paddle a K1

How to win open male ski at Aussies

Paddle Aus - the pull

Learning to be in the moment through failure

Great paddling with Adam van Koeverden in slo-mo

Paddle Aus - the catch

Paddle Aus - the exit

A great description of what “water feel” is (start from middle if you’re short of time)

Ocean ski vs K1 vs Spec ski paddling

Look at an Olympic medallist (like Van Koeverdon above) vs an ocean ski paddler and they can look pretty different. However the fundamental components of rotation, leg drive and control of the top/guide hands are very similar. World ski champion Oscar Chalupsky is well known in ocean ski circles but less so in K1/Spec ski paddlers. His series of videos demonstrate very simple strategies to improve your paddling particularly for the top hand. See parts 1-4 in this series below (5 minutes each). I particularly like the idea of not letting the blade get beyond vertical

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsYPG3LsVKk

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYQrn82EaUA

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAnreDPMG3A

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpeIczLujQo

Against that Epic have a series of videos by Greg Barton & Clint Robinson which pretty much coach ocean ski paddling technique to be similar to K1 and spec ski technique here (https://www.epickayaks.com/post/technique-series?srsltid=AfmBOoo6BEZZkdX_7eOzC_7Skm07F6lOpYYhSmkmYialAYbvBCS7MV9J). In our experience the best way to improve technique is to paddle with a squad that prioritises technique in all efforts (rather than “grinding” without technique) that has some good technical paddlers to learn from by observation. An ergo with a mirror is also a great way of correcting technical issues and learning what correct technique feels like (which then translates to the water more effectively)

Gear tips

Gear is a personal choice and there are many options for skis/kayaks and paddles. For paddles in particular consideration should be given the the height/arm span/strength/experience of the paddler.

  • Spec and ocean ski paddling - 208 to 215cm length with blade size of 700 to 760cm2 (noting that spec ski paddlers seem to be paddling smaller rather than larger blades of late)

  • Sprint kayak paddling - 210 to 220cm length with blade size of 700 to 840cm2 noting that your kayak paddle should generally be longer and larger than spec/ocean paddle. Most experienced paddlers in our squad paddle over 760cm2

Downwind gear is critical for safety. There are cheaper options than below but quality is important to avoid equipment failure

  • PFD - an excellent low cost option is available here

  • This top is high vis, flexible and warm

  • For winter paddling this long john provides warmth (important from a safety perspective) and flexibility

  • Leashes do break which means in critical conditions you lose your ski. Worth buying a high quality one here and attach it between your leg and the ski

  • There are multiple options for waterproof phone cases but consider the waterproof rating (IP68 or IPX8 recommended). Consider also whether the case fits into your PFD pocket for easy access. Ensure you always use a GPS tracker on your phone such as SafeTrx or What’s App

  • Its worth changing your rudder cables annually to reduce the risk of breakage and having one of these bungees to enable you to steer if the cable does break

  • Extra safety/navigation gear recommended for regular downwind paddlers include a personal locating beacon (cheap options available at boating stores), flares and for navigation a Garmin watch navigating to coordinates (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12Cunll0HoM) or a Garmin ETREX (cheap and large screen navigation device)