Good paddle technique when side surfing

Here's a picture which shows good paddle technique when side surfing.  The picture was taken on Brennan's Wave in downtown Missoula, a block from my office, but the same technique applies when side surfing in the ocean.  The paddler's arms are low, her elbows are near her sides, the shaft of her paddle is close to the deck of her kayak, and she is sitting upright, nicely balanced in her kayak.  This is a relaxed and powerful side surfing position.



Bad paddle technique for side surfing is to hold your hands above your head, to lean over the wave with your body, and to reach  out over the wave with your paddle. That position exposes your shoulders to injury.