Re: [Paddlewise] Gender Defender (was KP)

Hey folks,
Depending entirely upon the situation, sometimes my approach to slower 
paddlers is to teach them how to paddle faster. Often the slow speed is a 
sign of poor technique and the paddler may become an increasing liability 
as the trip wears on (depends a lot on the nature of the trip). The slow 
paddler will wear out faster, becoming even slower.

I have found that two things can really slow somebody down:
1. Poor upper body rotation and over-reliance on their arms
2. Feeling of instability from not understanding how to use edging for 
active stability (a problem when there is any kind of chop or waves)

To teach #1, I make the paddler lock their arms straight and then rotate 
their body vigourously side to side while the paddle is IN THE AIR.  Then 
have that person start to dip the blades in the water progressively more 
and more. Tell them to remember how the rotation feels, and gradually allow 
them to bend their arms during the stroke.

Teaching #2 is a bit harder, but is essential because it allows people to 
paddle at fast cruising speeds no matter what the swell, wind waves, or 
wave direction. For starters, the paddler needs to be well-secured in their 
boat -- good hip bracing, thigh bracing, and secure foot pedals. Sliding 
rudder pedals are a distinct liability for achieving good stability. Then 
the paddler needs to practice locking their lower body into the boat, and 
actively hold it flat (or on edge if practicing edging). This is what I do 
in the river in every major rapid, but it works great in the sea especially 
in beam seas. This is tiring at first, but if the outfitting is good, it 
will become second nature after a short while.

Kevin Whilden
(also part-time instructor at the Kayak Academy: http://www.halcyon.com/kayak)



Kevin Whilden
Your Planet Earth
http://www.yourplanetearth.org
(206) 788-0281 (ph)
(206) 788-0284 (f)


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