The Bow Draw: Not a turning stroke - Mind Body Paddle

The Bow Draw: Not a turning stroke

The Bow Draw: Not a turning stroke

Do you think that the bow draw is a turning stroke? Think again.

In my experience as an instructor and Instructor Trainer, the bow draw is the most misunderstood and misused stroke in whitewater kayaking.

It’s so misused that I take it away from participants during Creek Week. I tell them that they’re not allowed to use it the first few days until we have the opportunity to practice it effectively. Same thing in my instructor certification courses.

Ineffective bow draws can lead to shoulder injuries, bad lines and poor form.

If you’ve been doing the bow draw for years, this lesson is perfect for you. I invite you to take on a beginner’s mindset and watch the video below.

This video was originally filmed for my Whitewater Master Class online coaching program. When I posted a snippet on social media I was surprised by how many people watched it, loved it and commented.

I figured those of you who follow my blog would want to see it too. Y’all get the full video below.

After you watch it, tell me what you learned and you can refine for your bow draw.

PS – If you’re a SUP paddler the same concepts apply to the nose draw!

From the blog

Scary stories and how to face them

Creek Week is coming up next week, and inevitably the question of scary river stories and how to process them will be a topic of conversation. I remember being on the banks of the White Nile River in Uganda scouting the Class V rapid called Itanda. At the time there hadn’t yet been a successful

Read More »

How to paddle with fewer strokes

Do you feel like you paddle hard and still miss lines on the river? The problem may be that you’re paddling too much. Paddling is sometimes overemphasized in instruction causing loss of control and unnecessary energy expenditure. A few years ago I posted this video of me running one of my favorite rapids: Both my

Read More »

How to uplevel your boof

Creek Week is almost here, and I’m excited to work with the group to uplevel their boof, one of my favorite whitewater kayaking skills. Not only is boofing fun, but it’s also a key technique that allows you to work with rocks instead of being afraid of them. Cultivating a working relationship with rocks goes

Read More »

Get in touch!

Do you have a question? Would you like to connect and have a conversation or learn more about an upcoming retreat? Fill out the form below.

;