GET SITUATED: First, always keep your eyes on the horizon. Most people look at their feet when they stand-up, but that can throw you off balance. And this may seem totally obvious, but a lot of people hold their paddle facing the wrong way. Always make sure the scoop is facing away from you.
AVOID OVERPADDLING: Dont stroke past your feet. When your elbow comes to your hip, bring the blade up out of the water. If your paddle passes your feet, youre actually slowing yourself down.
THINK ABOUT TEMPO: Im on the high-cadence train. The faster I paddle, the higher the turnover, and the faster I go. For me, I have to rely on my fitness and do a faster cadence, but if youre super strong, like Dave Kalama, you can get away with a slower, stronger stroke.
START FAST: For races, I usually go hard at the start and then settle into a comfortable rhythm. Dont start slow, thinking youre going to conserve energy for later, 簫because at that point you wont be able to play catch-up. If other racers are ahead of you, even if its just three board lengths, it takes so much effort to reel them in.
NERD OUT: Im a bit of a geek when it comes to paddlingI love using a GPS watch, like the ($450). It not only tells me how far and fast Im going, but its heart-rate-enabled, and I can create custom workouts.