Eric asked: > What things did my fellow readers find difficult to learn initially? > What things should we absolutely make sure we learn in our lesson? Any > other tips? >> Eric, Are you taking a class from Charleston County Parks and Recreation? If so know this, any formal instruction program follows guidelines set by it's sanctioning body. What you are taught (read introduced to) will be predetermined by this sanctioning body. When I say introduced to, it is to suggest that you will be introduced to concepts and technique. The post instruction practice is extremely important. An instructor in a four hour introductory class of 12 students may be allotted 15 minutes to introduce the forward stroke. The instructors demonstrate the pure form of the stroke. Your forward stroke will evolve over time to fit your body, equipment and conditions. While in a class, try to learn the pure form. The most difficult thing to learn initially may be to allow the instructor to instruct. If you enter a class with predetermined goals that are outside the scope of the class, you may be disappointed. Know what will be taught in a class before you sign up. If you are taking lessons with a private instructor, they will be able to be more flexible. Intro lesson normally will include discussion about equipment, safety issues, loading/unloading/carrying boats, personal goals, need for further instruction, local paddling conditions and opportunities, etc. Demonstration and practice of entry and exit on land and on water. Demonstration and practice of strokes (forward, back, sweep, reverse sweep, draw, sculling draw). Demonstration and practice of bracing (low, high, sculling). Once again, it is important to understand that you will not become an expert kayaker with one or two lessons. Practice, practice, practice, but it must be quality practice. Here is a very basic forward stroke tip that is so basic it is most often overlooked. Many new paddlers try to pull the paddle through the water, the idea is to move the boat not the paddle. Plant the paddle, it stays stationary and the boat gets pulled up to it. The best general tip that I could give you is to approach the class with an open mind, relax, learn and enjoy. It truly is the beginning of a lifelong journey. Hope that I didn't bore you too badly, Bruce McC WEO *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri May 12 2000 - 05:45:37 PDT
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