Well we had another great clinic at Turtle Pond. This week it was an Essentials of Kayak Touring class with a group of enthusiastic participants. Many in the group “just jumped right in” – into the pond that is for the rescue practice – but more on that later. There was a good array of kayaks on the shore to talk about from sea kayaks, touring kayaks and recreation (rec) kayaks. Longer and thinner go faster and straighter but are “twitchy” and the shorter, wider kayaks are more stable but take more effort to move and to get them to go straight. As for the paddling portion of the class we focused the dry land training on the forward stroke. We spend 90% of our time trying to go straight so we should have a good reliable forward stroke that uses more of our large muscles rather than just our arms or shoulders.  Remember the mantra – Rotation; Chicken Wing; Spear; Boom; Pop.  Wind up the torso, use the upper arm to set the angle of the paddle for the catch, move the paddle forward to get a long catch that enters the water near our feet, unwind the torso and then allow the paddle to pop out between our knee and hip. If we bring the paddle back any further, we are well past the turning point and we turn the boat – causing the serpentine so commonly found with most kayak paddlers.  Remember that the further the paddle is out in front the more it pulls the boat through the water (like front wheel drive or pulling a wagon – it follows). If we pull the paddle too far behind us, it is pushing the boat and since the stroke is in an arc we travel to the side (like rear wheel drive or pushing a wagon – it has a tendency to want to turn since the power is coming from behind). A forward kayak stroke gets the catch well out in front and leaves the water before it gets to your hip.

So on water we practiced forward strokes, sweeps, both forward and reverse. Some real aha’s came from the rudder (remember to get the blade well to the back and watch which way you have the curve of the blade), for the easy turn and the sculling draw to move the boat sideways. With these two strokes many started to feel more paddle sensitivity as both require the patience to feel the boat begin to respond to the paddle. Next step – practice, practice, practice.

Speaking of practice, what was that splash? Well that was Laura rolling her kayak over and into the water she goes. We demonstrated the two assisted rescues – the Assisted T Rescue where the paddler to be rescued comes up between the kayaks and the version using the paddle as a toggle with a strap. Laura then demonstrated the sole reentry with a paddle float. Wet exits with a skirt were demonstrated and practiced by those who paddle with skirts while others were coached through both assisted rescues and paddle float reentries. So it was a full day of learning and practice and we want to encourage everyone to practice, practice, practice – and remember to contact us with questions on what was covered and if you are curious as to what is next. Good paddling and we look forward to seeing you out on the water.

Smooth strokes and placid waters.

Jeff and Laura

Jeff and Laura will be sharing the latest information about our paddling trips, classes and certification workshops. Who knows, you might even find some tips on paddling technique or gear.

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