Stern Rudder

Use the stern rudder to maintain or adjust your line in following seas, when paddling down-wind, passing through a narrow passage, or in the surf. You must have forward speed for the stroke to work.

Technique  Tips Common Mistakes  Practice


Tips

  • It helps your rhythm to link the stern rudder stroke to the end of a forward stroke on the same side.
  • In calm conditions you can keep your forward hand low.
  • To get more power out of the stroke in dynamic conditions (e.g. in a following swell, strong tail-wind or surf), lift the forward hand to create a higher angle. This will position the working blade deeper in the water.

Safety

  • Protect your shoulder from injury by dropping your elbow on the working side to your hip. 

 

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