db wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2011 at 6:59pm:

Ideally, and you can get the idea paddling up a shallow streams, is that the paddle gets planted and the canoe is what moves. IMHO, the farther you get from the ideal - the less efficient your strokes are.

If I may add to that.
The better the paddle, the easier it is to feel when you're doing it right (or improving). It's intuitive, so just keep playing with your technique. I say improving, cause paddlers are always seeking a better stroke, nirvana.  8-)