A few weeks ago, we covered more POWER using Hip Drive. In the menu, click <Classroom>. Inside the Classroom, you will see a course that say <Grow Your Paddling Mindset>. Click that and you'll be able to see the growing list of Tek Talks as we have them. If you find them valuable, please share them with your friends/coaches/teammates and drop a comment here about it. See everyone next Thursday, 6:30pm PST for Tek Talk 25.4.2 - Building the Best Timing Box After watching this talk, what drill would you do to improve your hip drive?

We all come from different paddling disciplines. Some dragon boat, some outrigger, others sailing, and etc. If you're racing which race distance brings you the most joy and why?

Hello TLC Paddlers, I recently completed a 500m outrigger time trial in Tampa, clocking in at 2:25.13 - a time I'm both proud of and eager to improve upon. I wanted to share this experience with you because the lessons learned apply directly to your paddling journey, regardless of your current level. This result didn't happen overnight. It represents: - 4-6 weekly water sessions focusing on technique refinement and hard intervals - Deliberate warm-up and recovery protocols to maintain performance - Mental preparation techniques to maintain focus during maximum effort During the time trial, I focused on several technique principles: - **Patience at the catch**: Ensuring full blade burial before applying power (but it happens lightning fast during the time trial) - **Acceleration through the stroke**: Progressive power application rather than an immediate "hit" - **Maintaining connection**: Keeping the blade fully engaged throughout the power phase - **Consistent cadence**: Finding the optimal stroke rate for sustained power, should be on the high side to get that fast score The most valuable insight from this experience is that improvement comes from consistent application of fundamentals. The same principles we practice in our sessions are what drive performance at every level. When you feel challenged by a drill or technique adjustment we're working on, remember that these small refinements compound over time. Trust the process - the stopwatch eventually reflects the work. I'll be analyzing the footage from this time trial to identify areas for improvement in my own technique. This continuous self-assessment is something I encourage all of you to embrace - we never stop learning on the water. I'm excited to bring these fresh insights into our upcoming programming. As always, I'm grateful for your trust in me as your coach, and I'm inspired by your dedication to improving your paddling teknique. See you on the water! Coach Tek --- P.S. I've posted the full time trial video on my Youtube if you'd like to see these principles in action. Your comments and questions are always welcome! I recommend lowering the volume a bit because the seat squeaked A LOT hahaha

I broke the biggest rule of race prep, which is to not do anything new for race day. Today, I took my brand new Vela Oc1 on her maiden voyage and also decided to wear my Shokz to listen to music during my race. Both ended up paying off. Conditions were rough today. Strong storm winds the whole time. Against current with wind going out. With current but against headwind coming home. I had a great start, behind Gapuz, Daven, and Dylan (top NorCal guys). I ended up falling back a bit and battling with Dylan for a while. By the time we got to the 2 pin (about 4 miles in), Daven and Gapuz turned. I stopped them and said that the course was further down. We sat there for a while debating what to do. We ended up continuing with the course and so waiting for everyone to get back on course. The downwind leg was fun! At the 12pin turn, I was behind again at 4th. I chased and pushed the entire leg back to the channel. I came ALIVE in the upwind, wanted to see what the Vela could do. Was able to claw back up to the pack. Inside the channel, I decided that it was time to go! Was able to stay just a hair ahead of Daven and Chauncey. Kept it close all the way in. Very hard earned win. Very memorable for me! Thank you all for the push! My 3W1H reflection: What went well? - Got my land warmup, band activation, and water warmup completed and was waiting at the front of the start line What didn't go as planned? - During the leg out, we got some GOOD surf. I needed to surf better toward the marker instead of following the way away from the marker What surprised you? - Had a strong headwind on the return and I was able to make up about 200m to catch back up to front pack over 2 miles How will you improve? - I want to improve to get a higher cruising speed Thank you Al for the wonderful photos! Scores are here: https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=383485&did=506264

Wasn't my best still... slight breeze, some weird current, but I pushed my hardest for this. One more month until time trial in Tampa! Let's go! I focused on not overreaching, going straight to my catch with rotation, and pushing out through my exit. Anyone else got footage of their time trials?