Surfski training advice from Tim Jacobs

How do I become a better surfski paddler? I’m still very new to surfski paddling and I have never really focused on paddling technique or specific endurance and strength endurance training. When my kayak club bought a paddling machine I was able to start practicing paddling even when there has been ice and bad weather conditions during winter. I realize that there is plenty of things besides paddling that is great training. What are the really good surfski paddlers training when they are not on the ocean and paddle? I contacted Tim Jacobs, perhaps the best surfskipaddler in the world right now.  I asked him about his training and if he could give some cross training advice for a beginner like me.

Tim Jacobs

The answer from Tim Jacobs:

When I am training for a race I will paddle up to 7 times a week in my K1 and surf ski, do weights twice a week and then some cross training.

If you are training indoors the best form of exercise that compliments paddling is boxing. It is an great aerobic activity and uses the upper body in fast explosive movements. Boxing is good because if you don’t concentrate you will get hit by your partner, if you are sparring. Pairing up with someone and hitting some focus pads is really good to as you can do this yourself and keep changing the exercises/punches around.

The other cross training I do is on a stationary spin bike. I do this with a few of my kayakers, it gives the legs a rest but makes you work hard aerobically.

In the gym I think ‘pulling’ exercises are the most important, pull ups (both weighted and body weight), bench pulls, one arm row. You can’t leave out your core exercises though, if you can’t connect your legs to your upper body you are not going to get the power onto your stroke that you should be able to. Work on your oblique muscle groups to help your rotation and to hold your body up nice and tall when you are paddling, you need to have good, strong posture to maximise your stroke.

So now I do not have any options. I just have to start training