Re: [Paddlewise] Clapotis

----- Original Message -----
From: "PeterO" <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>
Subject: [Paddlewise] Clapotis technique
> G'Day,
>
> I'm after advice (again!) please!
>
> At the moment I move from strong forward paddling strokes in "organised"
> waves to short and more rapid shallow angle strokes when in clapotis of
> about the same height (1-1.5meters). This makes me feel like a wimp but
also
> seems to work. The technique doesn't seem right. Is there a better way?

Peter,
Clapotis shouldn't necessarily alter technique, except for one thing... the
paddle has to be in the water for it to work, and sometimes clapotis causes
the water to drop away from your paddle suddenly.  In this respect, timing
is important to make sure that your paddle is purchasing on water and not on
air.

However the sorter faster stroke isn't a requirement, just good timing.  My
suspicion is that you aren't thinking about timing, and therefore you are
more likely to catch water with the quicker stroke.

The quicker stroke is probably doing something else, which is keeping your
body centered and balanced in your kayak.  It is it possible you are tensing
up a little bit from fear/uncomfortableness?  If so, my suggestion is to get
rid of that feeling at its root.

Next time you are in clapotis, stop paddling, and close your eyes. Keep your
paddle ready for a brace if needed.  Try to feel it out, and be stable.
Unless your kayak is very wide with high initial stability, this should be
no problem at all for you. Then with your eyes still closed, try to take
some relaxed paddle strokes.  You will have to get a "feel" for when the
water is there for a stroke.  This really needs to be learned with closed
eyes, IMO.

Clapotis really isn't as scary as it looks.  When I first paddled in huge
clapotis off the 520 bridge on Lake Washington, I was disappointed at how
"boring" it was.  The motion is clapotis is entirely "up-and-down" with no
sideways component.  The only way it can tip you over is if you tense up and
let the primary stability of your boat "take control" over your edging
strength.  This is a beginner mistake. Wind waves, with their sideways
velocity component, are a lot more likely to knock someone over, although
clapotis with its unpredictable appearance looks scarier.

Let me know if you try it with eyes closed.  That really is a fantastic way
to build your edging consciousness.

Regards,
Kevin




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