Best Julian Norton Smith Podcasts (2024)

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#62.Two by Two 13:36

11M ago13:36

13:36

This month we pair two parts of your stroke together so to help remind you of whats happening at the catch, stroke and exit. We hope that these three pairs will help you create a better activation and remember to focus on boat run through the transition phase / between strokes. Happy Paddling, CoachBy Julian Norton-Smith

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#61.Percentages – Downwind Paddling 14:25

11M ago14:25

14:25

This month we are going to revisit Podcast#9 and explain this concept as a percentage. Our goal is to always keep paddling in a downwind and even when your coasting, you should remain in contact with the water and have some power on the catch. But how much power and when? Happy Paddling, CoachBy Julian Norton-Smith

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#60.Paddling into the Wind – Quick, Quick, Slow 17:44

1y ago17:44

17:44

We are excited to be launching our newest coaching pathway to help you all improve your paddling. We have relaunched our YouTube channel and called it “Paddle 2 Fitness Coaching Channel”. On this channel we will have video content for you to watch and listen to as we paddle off the beach, downwind skills and return to the beach. Plus a number of po…

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#59.Percentages – In training and for warm ups 16:58

1y ago16:58

16:58

I have seen so much information around training levels, but what training level are you training at and then, what percentages are you training at when going long and slows or fast and short? In addition, what technique are you thinking about at these percentages? In this podcast, we talk training percentages and why you should be working your trai…

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#58.Improving your balance without a single crunch 7:54

1y ago7:54

7:54

We were out with a paddler the other week and they asked how can they improve their balance in messy water. To us their balance was good, they just needed a new drill for that extra 1-2%. The drill worked and the paddler found more speed. Happy Paddling, CoachBy Julian Norton-Smith

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#57.Keeping your legs together 14:03

1+ y ago14:03

14:03

We had an email from a paddler asking why their shoulders and lower back hurt following a local event. After some questions, we worked out that the paddlers knees were the issue and came up with a clever drill in order to fix this issues which also improved their hip rotation. Happy Paddling, CoachBy Julian Norton-Smith

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#56.Adapting to the Conditions and your Craft 14:29

1+ y ago14:29

14:29

What do you do then you have the wrong craft for the conditions you are in? Then those around you are catching and you can’t seem to get your craft in the correct position to catch anything. Put simply, you need to adapt and adjust your craft to those conditions and quickly. In this podcast we discuss a situation I found myself in when racing in Ta…

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#55. Pull it Straight 13:00

1+ y ago13:00

13:00

This month we are talking about paddle direction and what you need to know, look for and feel to make sure you are pulling the paddle through the water at the correct angle and not going too wide at the exit. When I was taught to paddle, we were coached to imagine a ‘J’ stroke as the paddle went through the water and ‘to pull it straight’ once our …

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#54. Why does the front of my shoulder’s hurt? 15:54

1+ y ago15:54

15:54

This is a common question from paddlers and the reason is two main things. First is the angle or grip you have on the paddle and the second is leaving the pull shoulder forward putting stain on the peck muscles. In this podcast we discuss these two problems and give you exercise and new drills to work out which one you are doing. Happy paddling, Co…

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#53.The Stall 13:45

1+ y ago13:45

13:45

It’s happened to all of us in a downwind training sessions or race. That moment when the nose of your craft goes up and your cockpit fills up. So what do you do in this situation to empty the water and get back up to speed? In this podcast we discuss how ‘the stall’ happens and what you can do to recover from it. Happy Paddling and Happy New Year, …

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#52.Leg Drive 11:53

1+ y ago11:53

11:53

We have talked a lot over the years about leg drive and its importance. In this podcast we talk about the squeeze of your leg drive and how this simple technique drill will help you have better timing and power throughout your stroke making sure we squeeze and hold not squeeze and pop? We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New …

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#51.Anchor Point 14:49

2y ago14:49

14:49

How many anchor points can you think of when paddling? What’s the most important one and which one will have you paddling with more control, power and speed? In this podcast we look at something new which we know will help you become a more efficient paddler. Happy paddling, CoachBy Julian Norton-Smith

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#50.Losing Your Catch 13:55

2y ago13:55

13:55

Over our 30 years of coaching, we see that a lot of paddlers lose their catch. This is where a paddler cannot control the direction of their catch and the blade slides away from the craft instead of creating a ‘J’ shape. This can come from blade size, paddle length and or poor technique. Let’s run through some of the drills you can using to help fi…

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#49.Comparing MAX TT to MAF TT 30:22

2y ago30:22

30:22

As we look to improve our training program and give you the paddler a better understanding on where you need to improve, we have added at MAF TT to our Peak Performance Training Program. Through the data we have now collected and by comparing your MAF TT (sub-maximal effort) to your Normal TT (maximal effort) we can now work out what you need to do…

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#48.Resistance Training 2.0 21:51

2y ago21:51

21:51

Put simply, your all addicted to resistance training! This is great to see and seeing we have been asked so many questions about it, we have had to add a second podcast on this topic. In this podcast we will answer questions like: what to do with the extra power gained from the resistance, more efficient technique, faster time trials and a discount…

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#47.Resistance Training 20:10

2y ago20:10

20:10

Resistance training’s aim is to load the body through specific training. Like going to the gym, paddle resistance will load the correct muscles in sequence to help you improve your feel of the water and find any technique inefficiency’s. If this is your first time, start with a small amount of resistance and build up. Happy paddling.…

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#46.Better Acceleration 12:41

2+ y ago12:41

12:41

In this month’s podcast we discuss a way to increase acceleration without sacrificing technique or efficiency. A small change to your catch as well as keeping a full stroke through your exit phase will result in better acceleration which in turn, will help you catch more runners.By Julian Norton-Smith

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#45.Feeling the Push 9:57

2+ y ago9:57

9:57

Working out the correct push arm height and knowing when your pushing correcting is a hard technique to learn. Reason being, you can’t see it until it’s all over. In this podcast we teach you what a strong push should feel like. Once you engage this feeling you’ll know if or when your push arm is in the correct position as well as load more power f…

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#44.Race Week 16:03

2+ y ago16:03

16:03

What training should you do leading into a racing weekend? Should you train more or less, harder or slower? In this podcast, we talk about what training you should do, the day you should have off and revisit an old podcast on what to do on Race Day.By Julian Norton-Smith

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#43.Get a little swagger into your paddling 15:44

2+ y ago15:44

15:44

When someone walks with swagger, they walk with style, rhythm and one step simply rolls into the next. So let’s add this to your paddling. Paddling with swagger will increase power, improve balance, catch activation and have you paddling faster by simply adding one movement to your stroke. Add some swagger today. Happy paddling, Coach…

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#42.Rough Water Paddling 22:28

2+ y ago22:28

22:28

Do you still struggle a bit in choppy, washing machine conditions, when waves are coming from all sides and are difficult to read, especially paddling close to cliffs? In this podcast we cover all of these conditions and more linking you back to past podcasts and teaching you how to bring them all together.…

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#41.Ab Crunch Forward 10:55

2+ y ago10:55

10:55

Are you are falling into the water at the exit of the stroke? Most surf ski paddlers continue to pull the paddle back behind their body resulting in them falling into the water as they lift the paddle out. This simple refocus on what to do in this situation should help you to control this situation, not fall in and catch the next runner.…

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#40.Seat Pads 17:02

3y ago17:02

17:02

Adding a seat pad to your craft’s seat can do a number of positive thing. It can put your body in a better biomechanical position by increase body height above the water to give you more power and angle your hips forward. In this podcast, we explain all of these improvements and which seat pads are used for what purpose. Happy listening, Coach…

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#39.Wash Riding 16:21

3+ y ago16:21

16:21

Wash Riding is a great training and racing skill which should be learnt in a safe environment with fellow paddlers. There are three different wash riding positions which we discuss in this podcast as well as the Gentleman’s Agreement when taking leads and also when changing positions.By Julian Norton-Smith

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#38.Timing 16:15

3+ y ago16:15

16:15

Over the years of our podcasts, we have broken everything down into its parts. Now its time to bring them all together and discuss the importance of timing. Our focus is to get the correct sequence and ensure that the paddle is our first movement followed by rotation and leg drive. We also give you a new drill so your timing is 100% every time.…

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#37.Craft Upgrade 19:33

3+ y ago19:33

19:33

When purchasing your first or upgrading your craft, its not as simply as just jumping up a model at the same weight as your current craft. A craft’s width and weight will make a massive difference with balance and you ability to be able to paddle with 100% power. This podcast will explain that jumping up one model is actually jumping up 4-6 differe…

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#36.Does A Shorter Leg Length Equal More Power? 16:48

3+ y ago16:48

16:48

As a coach of may years, I get this question a lot. While the question itself is simple, simply shortening your leg length to gain more power is not the answer. Like with all our podcasts, its a more efficient technique which will result in you shortening your leg length.By Julian Norton-Smith

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Alan Davies, Tahar Rahim, Prof. Chris Jackson and Pam Ayres. 56:08

3+ y ago56:08

56:08

Graham's final podcast for BBC Radio 2.By BBC Radio 2

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Dan Walker, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Samuel West and Nicholas Ralph. 1:00:09

3+ y ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Remarkable people, Ghosts, and All Creatures Great and Small.By BBC Radio 2

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Kylie Minogue, David Atherton and Sam Mendes. 1:00:39

3+ y ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Disco, Cooking and Theatre.By BBC Radio 2

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#35.Keeping Downward Pressure 16:10

3+ y ago16:10

16:10

This month we discuss what paddlers mean when they say “keep downward pressure in both hands as the paddle goes through the water”. We explain the difference between a ‘parallel’ action and a ‘U’ action and give you the best technique drill so you know what downward pressure feels like. We would also love to hear your thoughts on this technique dri…

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Lesley-Ann Jones, Gareth Southgate and Gabriel Byrne. 1:06:55

3+ y ago1:06:55

1:06:55

Lennon, Dreams and Ireland.By BBC Radio 2

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Sinéad Burke, Julian Clary and Rupert Everett. 1:00:06

3+ y ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Life lessons, panto plans and Oscar Wilde.By BBC Radio 2

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J. K. Rowling and Lady Anne Glenconnor. 54:37

3+ y ago54:37

54:37

A fairy tale and a Caribbean island.By BBC Radio 2

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Ken Follett, Milly Johnson, Jane Tranter and Amir Wilson. 1:02:54

4y ago1:02:54

1:02:54

A middle-aged prequel, a Christmas novel, and an alternative universe.By BBC Radio 2

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#34.Where should I be looking? 12:04

4y ago12:04

12:04

In this month’s podcast we discuss where you should be looking while paddling and why. Looking in the wrong direction or place can affect your technique, balance and efficiency. If looking in the right place, this will improve your breathing and boat control. If you are unsure where you should be looking, this is the podcast for you. Happy Paddling…

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Elvis Costello, Samantha Giles and Dame Darcey Bussell. 1:07:32

4y ago1:07:32

1:07:32

Clockface, witches and dance.By BBC Radio 2

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John Cleese, Julie Andrews, and Gary Numan. 1:09:36

4y ago1:09:36

1:09:36

Being creative, being a Dame, and being electric.By BBC Radio 2

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Tim Peake and Russell Tovey. 56:01

4y ago56:01

56:01

An astronaut and an art-loving actor.By BBC Radio 2

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Carrie Hope Fletcher and Lady Colin Campbell. 47:17

4y ago47:17

47:17

Theatre, the Royals and Grill Graham.By BBC Radio 2

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#33.Bracing 13:36

4y ago13:36

13:36

This month we discuss how to brace. Bracing is a skill that assists you with balance and control of your ski when you’re resting on a swell / wave. It is a very important skill to master and we trust this podcast will help you understand and put into practice. COACHBy Julian Norton-Smith

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#32.What Blade Size Should I Be Using? 15:30

4y ago15:30

15:30

On this month’s podcast we are discussing paddle / blade size. What size you should have and how you can work out how to find it. For us its all about ‘feel’ in the water and we will explain how you can find this feel to make sure you have the right blade size for your paddling discipline and or event.…

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#31.Why You Should Do A Warm Up 17:35

4y ago17:35

17:35

In this month’s podcast we discuss why its important to be doing a proper warm before any race, time trail or sold training session. The aim of a warm up is to prepare the body for what its about to do. Our Paddle 2 Fitness 25min warm up, warms up your technique, power output and will get your heart rate close enough to that of your racing heart ra…

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#30.What Is 80/20 Training? 27:23

4+ y ago27:23

27:23

This month we discuss 80/20 training or polarise training. This is where you train 80% of the time at a slow twitch fibre pace and 20% of the time at a fast twitch fibre pace. We work this type of training in conjunction with our last podcast ‘The 180 Formula’. However, here we are now going to explain to you that you should only train 20% of the t…

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#29.The 180 Formula 28:38

4+ y ago28:38

28:38

If I was to ask you that in a single session I could make you healthier, burn FAT and decrease your stress levels, would you? Dr Phil Maffetone’s ‘THE 180 FORMULA’ is the foundation on which I launched Paddle 2 Fitness and what we have used to train hundreds of our athletes in paddling and surf life saving. This podcast is my coaching philosophy of…