How much kicking should be done in open water? I have generally thought that excessive kicking is not very efficient (and more tiring being a large muscle group) in longer distances. When I was out last week, my kayaker said I wasn't kicking at all. I know I don't kick much, but I didn't realize it was so little and so noticeable. So, how much kicking should be done? How much benefit vs energy expenditure?
I grew up a sprinter with a 6-beat kick. When I made the move to open water distance in my 30's, I switched to a two-beat kick. It is strong enough to drive my stroke from the hip (more so with my right leg), but it is not a strong kick. I save my legs for the last 750-1000 meters when I switch to a 6-beat and let my legs and adrenaline drive me home. (Anything 5K or longer, my shoulders are flagging by that point anyway.)
I grew up a sprinter with a 6-beat kick. When I made the move to open water distance in my 30's, I switched to a two-beat kick. It is strong enough to drive my stroke from the hip (more so with my right leg), but it is not a strong kick. I save my legs for the last 750-1000 meters when I switch to a 6-beat and let my legs and adrenaline drive me home. (Anything 5K or longer, my shoulders are flagging by that point anyway.)
