Re: [Paddlewise] Race Training.

Phil Huck wrote (snipped):
> 
>    A friend of mine has challenged me to a paddling race this summer. 
>    The course will be a lake crossing, just over a mile in distance and
> usually subject to 15 mph headwinds with moderate sized waves.
>    We will be paddling identical equipment. (Overflows -10foot ww boats,
> and River Passage paddles (P.O.S heavy, injection molded blades)
> Bicycling-wise I have been focusing on the sprint aspect of it. My
> goal is to develop the lung capacity for 20 minutes at full throttle.
> Good suggestions so far have been to weight a couple milk jugs and drag
> them behind the boat during my pool sessions.
>    I am trying to stress perfect paddle technique, I know my competition
> is a digger and splashes a lot. - yet his speed scares me.
> 
One of the big problems with an Overflow is going to be keeping it going
straight. If you manage to track better, you may have an advantage over
brute force. Not that you friend is a brute.

Anyhow, practice doing your steering at the bow, and try to avoid
needing to rudder. Be sure your paddle exits the water before it goes
behind you. Also, even if you're using the same equipment, you can use
it smarter. Moving the seat forward a little may help it track in
headwinds. Try it out, because dragging milk jugs will keep you
straight, and when you lose the jugs, the boat will feel really
squirrelly.

Good luck.

Steve
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