Talking About Adventure In Small Boats
TideTraveller
Member
I'm planning on using a single blade paddle for the 2014 EC. I would like to improve my forward stroke as much as I can between now and then. I've found some good info online like this http://www.piragispaddles.com/paddlestrokes.html , but I would also like to get some on water training from someone. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. I live in south Florida.
Tidetraveller
This post is just in time, this sumer I intend to spent more time in a canoe than a kayak , and im currently looking at what paddle im going to need , the link is a grate starting place. One question, is a bent shaft still worth considering if im knelling and not seated, and should the length be meshurd differently to a seated position ? In my youth I yous to paddle C1 slalom , a bit different to flat water .
I am planning a Meetup on the Suwannee and/or St. Marys. A portion of that meetup will be a canoe stroke clinic. We will also cover other aspects of river canoeing and kayaking and portaging. I am still working on a date but it will be well before the kickoff of the Ultimate Florida Challenge.
riverslayer
Member
Feks,
When you are using the proper single-blade paddling technique you should be finishing your stroke at your waist. The idea behind the bent shaft paddle is that when you reach your waist you are still pushing water backwards and not upwards as you would be doing with a straight shaft paddle. The other point to work on with your technique is to concentrate on applying power at the beginning or "catch" of the stroke. Many paddlers lose a lot of efficiency by applying power at the end of the stroke. I plan to be at Chief's gathering in north Florida.
RiverSlayer
TideTraveller
Member
Riverslayer,
That sounds great. Just let me know. My email- jpmorgan1979@yahoo.com
Chief,
I look forward to a meetup on the Suwannee or St Mary's.
River slayer, iv watched a few utubes on yousing bent paddles, a lot of the theory is similar to white water but with a few subtile refinements, im still after the answer to my main question, with a bent shaft should the length be the same for a kneeling and a seated position ?
Chef, there's Sume really good meet ups happening over there, with the kayak clinic, class meet ups wish it wasn't on a different continent !
In my world sea kayak clubs aren't as open to different disaplens or the way there modified for the trips the tribers do.
I get an lot of enjoyment out of keeping up with whats happening over there
Komoniwannashoya
Member
The other thing about a bent shaft is that the blade slips cleanly into the water at the catch.
It's sort of amazing the first time you use one.
The boat is moving forward, and the blade enters the water perfectly every time - you don't have to spend so much effort concentrating on matching your entry to the speed of the boat - magic.
I'm looking at getting a double bend paddle for the EC - spousal approval pending ;o)
I've spent a lot of time in a canoe, and moving to the OC1 was really different. You use your body waaaay more.
What kind of boat are you paddling?
Hope we can make it to the stroke clinic.
RiverSlayer - I'd be interested in meeting up along the EC course for a workout some time as well.
Thanks,
Mark
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