The Secret to a Powerful Dragon Boat Stroke Isn't Just Your Arms
When we paddle, it's easy to focus on our arms and shoulders. After all, they're the ones holding the paddle and pulling. But as I've found through my own paddling and coaching, the real power source in dragon boating comes from your core and torso.
A common mistake is treating your arms and torso as separate units. Some paddlers try to "dip" the paddle in with their arms while their torso remains static. This breaks the crucial chain of motion needed for a powerful stroke.
The proper technique is to move your torso and arms as one unit. Your torso should drive the arms forward, not the other way around. This synchronized movement ensures two things:
Maximum Reach: By using your entire torso, you can get the blade farther forward, giving you a longer, more effective pull.
Correct Sequencing: A synchronized motion ensures your muscles fire in the right order. If your torso stays still while your arms move, the natural sequence of muscle engagement is reversed, and the power from your core never makes it to the blade.
This small but critical shift in thinking—from an arm-driven stroke to a core-driven stroke—can unlock your true potential on the water. It’s about working smarter, not just harder.
