Last month in this SUP Stroke Series, we talked about efficiency — how to stop wasting energy and start getting more return from every stroke.

This month, we’re building on that foundation and diving into power.

Because power in your SUP stroke isn’t about muscling the paddle harder. It’s about how your body is designed to create force — and whether you’re using that design or fighting against it.

Power Starts With Body Mechanics

One of the biggest reasons I’m so passionate about SUP stroke technique is personal.

The way I paddle and the way I coach today came from having to relearn how to move after multiple injuries — including several herniated discs in my cervical spine.

Pain forced me to get curious.

I had to learn:

• How the body is actually meant to generate power
• How to protect the spine while producing force
• How to paddle strong without paddling recklessly

What I discovered changed everything.

The SUP Stroke Is a Complex Full-Body Movement

Just like squats or kettlebell swings, the SUP stroke is a complex, full-body movement.

That means:

• Multiple joints working together
• Timing matters as much as strength
• Power doesn’t come from one place

To be powerful, you need to understand where power truly comes from in the body.

The Most Powerful Joint in the Body: Your Hips

If you want to generate real power, you have to start at the hips.

The hips are the most powerful joint in the body. They connect:

• The legs
• The glutes (the largest muscle group you have)
• The core
• The back

When power originates at the hips, the rest of the body supports and transfers that force — instead of trying to create it on its own.

Why Arm-Dominant Paddling Leads to strain

One of the most common things I see in video analysis is paddlers trying to create power from the shoulders and arms.

Smaller muscles working too hard.

This often shows up as:

• Shoulder pain
• Upper back tightness
• Neck discomfort
• Early fatigue

Your arms and shoulders are involved, but they are not the primary power producers.

They are the stabilizers and connectors — not the engine.

Prefer Large Muscle Groups Over Small Ones

To paddle powerfully and sustainably:

• Legs > arms
• Hips > shoulders
• Glutes > small spinal muscles

This shift alone can dramatically reduce pain while increasing output.

The Hip Hinge: A Non-Negotiable Skill

The foundation of powerful movement is a proper hip hinge.

A good hip hinge:

• Keeps the spine neutral
• Loads the hips and glutes
• Allows you to produce force safely

When applied to the SUP stroke, the hip hinge allows you to:

• Load power at the catch
• Maintain stability through the core
• Drive force without compressing the spine

Using Body Weight = Free Power

One of the biggest breakthroughs for paddlers is learning to use body weight instead of muscle.

When you combine:

• A hip hinge
• Forward body weight
• Gravity

You can load your paddle with far less effort — and far more effect.

This is what creates that feeling of connection to the water.

Stop Pulling the Paddle — Drive Your Body

Here’s a language shift that matters:

Instead of pulling the paddle to your body, think about driving your body past the paddle.

That drive comes from hip extension — pushing the hips forward and past the paddle while the blade is still loaded in the water.

This is where most paddlers lose power.

The Timing That Changes Everything

The most challenging — and most important — part of a powerful stroke is timing.

To maximize power:

• Your hips need to move past the paddle
• Before the blade exits the water

If the paddle comes out before the hips drive through, you miss the biggest power opportunity in the stroke.

This is one of the most common patterns I see — and it’s fixable!

Your Homework:

1. Notice where you feel power coming from
2. Pay attention to hips vs arms
3. Film your stroke
4. Watch the timing between hips and paddle exit
5. Reach out for guidance and video analysis

Work With Me: Build Power Safely and Effectively

If you want to paddle with more power without pain, guessing won’t get you there.

Inside the Seychelle SUP app, you’ll find:

• Drill video series focused on hip hinge, body weight, and timing
• Clear breakdowns of power mechanics
• Skills you can practice on your own schedule

For paddlers ready for deeper coaching, Paddle Master Plus offers:

• Ongoing video analysis
• Individualized stroke feedback
• Progressive technique and performance training

This is where power becomes repeatable — not forced.

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