High Brace

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Key Points
Power Face Presented to the Water
Elbows Down and Knuckles Up
Water Arm Elbow Bent
Horizontal Shaft Angle
Paddle Placement Perpendicular to Boat
Paddle Close to Body
Timing (Paddle then Body)
C to C Motion
Head Stays Down to the End
Recovery: Slice Blade out with Knuckles Forward

The High Brace
 


This is capsize prevention at its best. A high brace stroke is very similar to the draw stroke. The blade face starts flat on the surface and you attempt to pull the face down into the water while pulling your kayak in towards the blade. Your weight hangs from the wrist on the stroke side. Keep the elbow of your stroke arm bent about 90 degrees. Your elbow should be nearly in line with the direction of pull. Do not extend that arm out too much and keep the elbows tucked in! Extending the arm could possibly result in a shoulder dislocation, particularly in surf.