Every time I watch a video like this, I try to imagine the stroke placement and body mechanics as if I was in the boat.  One of the most misunderstood concepts in paddling is the role that our feet play when we paddle; mostly because they're inside the boat, under the skirt, and we can't see how others use their feet. In the Intro to Kayak and Whitewater Weekend class, we talk quite a bit about using our hips, knees and feet to drive the boat.  Here are a few examples where driving with your feet will really help gain power and control.

Europe 2011 from Isaac Levinson on Vimeo.

At 0:24, notice how vertical the paddle is; it's almost oblique. Also notice the placement of the stroke; it's right on the lip of the drop.  Now imagine pressing forward with the right leg, while unwinding the torso with a right-hand stroke, to drive the bow of the boat well past the lip of the drop. That is how Isaac makes this look so easy!

You'll see a similar stroke at 0:35 where he punches thru a hole. A power stroke on the left side, while really pressing with the left leg gives him the power to punch thru the hole.

This video is full of similar moments where driving with the legs gives power, speed and stability to a good forward stroke. I counted about 7 in the first minute alone.  Can you see them?