Today’s podcast guest is the legendary Ivan Lawler. Ivan is regarded as Britain’s greatest canoe paddler of all time, and many argue the world’s greatest marathon paddler. Ivan has also been recognized internationally for sportsmanship when in the 1990 world championship he and his partner stopped to wait for the Danish team who were having rudder trouble They could have won, but instead finished in second place by one second. Those who know Ivan, would not be at all surprised by this.
Following his competitive years Ivan has given back tremendously to the sport. He was recently elected president of the British Canoeing Association and is Chairman of the Elmbridge Canoe Club where he has coached across the spectrum from new kids to world champions.
Ivan has only recently caught the surfski bug. Many of you will recognize his voice as the commentator at the Gorge Downwind Champs and the Surfski World Championships in Hong Kong. Ivan has also become a legend with his hour and 15 minute forward stroke master class video on YouTube. Ivan has a rare talent for articulating and simplifying the nuance of forward stroke technique. I’ve already replayed this podcast multiple times and every time I do, I’m incredibly inspired to get out on the water and FEEL my technique.
Below is just a highlight of some of the topics we cover
- Paddling for feel and not for a visual look
- Why you don’t want to watch kayaking from the side
- The Arial View is Best – Ivan recommends watching this footage from the 2012 Olympics
- Avoiding spillage and learning to love the load – keeping it inside the boat
- Great footage that demonstrates the downward force being applied to a paddle (watch closely where the top hand goes when the paddle breaks between 2:10 -2:20)
- Ivan strongly recommends watching Knut Holmann as of the best forward stroke technicians of all time
- Correcting lower back rub – getting the right kit helps tremendously, Vaikobi Shorts (prevent the damage) & Johnson Tough Pads (for when the damage is done)
- On the water drills that Ivan likes to use
- Thoughts on dry land training
- Why you can only use small weak muscles if you’ve built up momentum using big, powerful, slow muscles first
- Ivan’s thoughts on the future of surfski and what makes it such an amazing and unique sport
Ivan will be partnering with Michelle and Maggie of Paddle California and doing clinics at the Gorge and likely afterwards in Southern California. If you are out that way, don’t miss this opportunity.
You can check out Ivan’s website and business at ultimatekayaks.com
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