Vertical Paddle Shaft
The easiest way to solve this is to raise your upper wrist so it’s stacked over your lower wrist and is over the water, not the board. Have a friend paddle behind you. Ask them to notice if you paddle shaft is at an angle leaning over the board, or is vertical and is over the water on the side you’re paddling on. I tell my students – raise your upper hand so it’s over the water.
Correcting the paddle shaft angle not only helps you stay straight, but also reduces how often you switch hands. Ultimately it makes you more efficient and saves energy.
Short (9′) or boards with a lot of rocker (curve in hull) may not respond to this technique. Boards 14′ or longer will allow you to paddle on one side for as long as you want depending on current or wind conditions.
Tip: Also keep your hands loose on the paddle shaft. A ‘death grip’ will lead to pain in your wrists and arms and can take energy away from your stroke.
Paddle Parallel to your Hull
The other method is to draw the paddle down the side of your board parallel to your rail by your feet. When you put the paddle in at the nose (front) put it in a few inches out so it comes down in a straight line to your feet.
If you’re curving the paddle around the nose – you’re turning the board.
Loose Hands
Having loose hands on the shaft will help you also keep the board straight. A ‘death grip’ or tight grip means less flexibility in your arms and shoulders and the board will turn.
Other Tips for Going Straight
– Look where you’re going, not at your paddle
– Short strokes to your feet. Short strokes are not only more effecient but a stroke past your feet will turn the board.
– In rough water nothing changes, use all the techniques above to go straight.
I teach stand up paddling and surf ski in Seattle through my business Salmon Bay Paddle. Give me a holler for a 1-1 or 2 person lesson.