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Dragon Boat Canada


IDBF


Canoe Kayak Canada

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[NorthernPaddler]

Hello, I have a paddler on my team who is brand new and has an added challenge of having his left leg amputated.  He is currently paddling on the right side and after going through a stroke improvement clinic we think we have overcome his issue of not being able to get a proper brace so as to allow him to get a rotation. As well we have been trying to figure out if perhaps he needs to be in a shorter bench seat, as he is a tall individual, we had him in bench 5 yesterday, but I wonder if a shorter bench may be in order?

Is there anyone out there who could possibily give me any tips to help him improve his rotation?

Thanks,
Karla

[LARDCore]

Wow, I commend both the paddler and you for persevering. 

It might be a bit uncomfortable, and not even sure it is possible, but maybe you can have the paddler try to extend his leg forward (assuming paddling on the right side) to the forward bump/back of bench in front of him, and instead of having him sit on top of the bench have him try and but his butt cheeks on the very edge/corner of the front of the bench.  That way, he can push back with his leg pushing his butt up against the edge of the bench.  Maybe that would be an effective enough brace to allow both shoulder and a bit of hip rotation.

Perhaps the exertion/release of force on the leg will allow the rotation/derotation he is looking for (ie. slightly reduced leg press on recovery/setup phase followed by strong leg press at catch through pull).

He will be "sitting" (actually, it's more like wedging) lower, but he's a taller paddler so it won't be that apparent.

I would suggest the paddler wears a very sturdy water shoe (not sandal or slipper) to limit slippage.a

Maybe one of those butt pads some people used can be put between the bench edge and the paddler's rear.

I'm very interested to hear about the progress his paddler makes.

Again, my hat is off to this very courageous paddler.

[NorthernPaddler]

Thank you for the tip, I have printed it off and we can try it out.  I think what he tried at the end of our clinic session on the water was to cross brace with his right leg.  I will recommend to him about having some sort of mesh to sit on, that may help too.  I will keep you all posted on our progress!

Thanks,
Karla