Knowing how to edge the boat, sit
up straight, and hold the paddle correctly are all prerequisites to developing
a rafting & kayaking finesse. The best boaters are fanatics about their strokes,
practicing and fine tuning them on flat, easy water.
I'll start by describing sweep
strokes, which turn the boat, and help you control your direction. Draw strokes
to move sideways, and reverse paddling will round out our stroke lesson.
Forward Sweep
A well-developed forward sweep
stroke enables you to reach your paddling potential. Used to turn the boat,
forward sweep strokes incorporate three principles: They are powered by large
muscle groups of the torso, they follow a full 180-degree arc, and require a
solid purchase on the water.
The powerful muscles that connect
your torso to the lower body power this stroke, while arm muscles are reserved
for small, subtle adjustments. Torso rotation enables you to harness this large
muscle group. Do this by turning your torso and extending the blade forward. Straighten
the arm near the water and pull your other hand back and below your shoulder.
Plant the blade completely in the water, then unwind your torso. As you reach
the end of comfortable twist, lift the edge of the boat on the side of your
stroke.
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During the sweep, the blade
should travel in an arc extending about three feet from the boat. In order to
do this, both hands should start below shoulder level. Make sure the top of the
blade remains submerged throughout the stroke. To maintain your torso rotation,
watch your blade sweep all the way to the back. Pay close attention to insure
the blade angle stays straight up in the water. Without your adjustment by
cocking your wrist, the blade has a tendency to twist at the end of the stroke,
reducing its bite on the water.
Note: there is an advanced sweep
stroke, where your torso does not follow your sweep. I don't teach this for
average recreational boaters learning to surf. This way they can develop better
blade control at the back of the boat. For more see Sweep Debate.
Transfer the power into your boat
with your legs, by pushing on the sweeping side's footpeg and pulling your hip
towards the blade. Practice forward sweeps strokes while the boat is flat and,
while its on edge.
How you apply power is important
as well. Yanking the paddle simply pulls it through the water. A solid hold on
the paddle allows it to move effectively. Bubbles or splashes behind the blade
are an indication that you are pulling too fast. Notice how well your boat
turns when the blade grabs the water securely.
The Stern Draw
The last part of the sweep stroke
is so important and frequently botched that instructors often isolate it by
calling it a stern draw. For the purposes of practice it's important to move
your sweep stroke in a full 180-degree arc from bow to stern. But often you
will vary the length of the sweep to provide the turn needed. For instance, the
back portion of the sweep is used .....
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