One of the most important factors in preventing pain in paddling is to keep your wrists in line with your forearm for both your upper and lower hands. Another important tip is to not use a death grip on the handle and paddle shaft. Doing so not only builds tension in your arm, but also takes energy away from the rest of your stroke. Unless you’re dropping into a bottom turn surfing or paddling in high winds, where losing your paddle would be an issue, then you should be holding your paddle with the lightest grip possible. Here’s a few images of how to hold your paddle to prevent pain or possible injury. Read more about this in the Fitness chapter of my book which is written by fitness professional, Nikki Gregg. www.nikkigregg.com