The surfski paddle stroke is essentially the same as the sprint kayak stroke (let's ignore variations you may make in technique on rough water). Two of the most common health issues that sprint kayaking programs report relate to shoulders and lower back problems. Issues with other joints probably tend to become more common as paddlers age.

A good, powerful stroke includes significant torso rotation and a critical aspect that should accompany torso rotation is hip rotation. If the hips to not rotate in concert with the torso then significant stress can be concentrated in the lower back and likely contribute to lower back strain or injury. Emphasis on leg drive should also include parallel hip rotation. Avoiding inadequate hip rotation can sometimes be as simple as making sure your hips and seat are as friction free as possilble.

Seat Friction Reduction

• good paddle shorts - designed to slide easily with no seams that will cause rubbing or discomfort during rotation
• use teflon tap and/or teflon-like treatment on you seat surface or seat padding

Core Strengthening

• exercises to assist rotation and syncing hips with torso rotation
  • such exercises will likewise assist in core stability and reduction of excess movement that may be likely to lead to back strain
• [add exercise recommendations here]