O Peter, you said: <snip> At the moment I move from strong forward paddling strokes in "organized" 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? ----------------- Keep experimenting. If its real bouncy, finding balance between maintaining forward momentum and remaining stable takes, well, real balance. On some clapotis wave conditions, reaching over the wave a bit with some commitment can be beneficial. Whatever you do, follow recommended principles regarding shoulder injury prevention. I think this whole area is something paddlers need to do a bit more practice in. Clapotis is a real world condition for ocean paddlers, so rather than avoid the issue, embrace it and learn to brace in it, etc. I've been in clapotis situations that were very demanding for prolonged periods of time. Transiting these hazardous spots rapidly, can be difficult given your observation about the need for rapid shallow angle strokes. I'd also be interested in any other responses if they come up on the next digest version. I'm still trying to perfect technique in clapotis conditions, even after all these years. Of course, a narrow kayak can be a bit more challenging here in terms of perceived stability. A good cockpit fit helps too. Generally, I try to maintain a normal stroke digging as deep as needed for good glide and propulsion, but due to a lot of practice, I can instantly convert to a low or high brace as required, or a general support stroke. It gets very reflexive after a while. At other times, I've gone over, head wet, but have been able to scull back into perpendicularly -- another much useful skill (sculling for support, partial rolling back up with sculling techniques). With clapotis of the size (which includes an intensity component) you mention, my biggest issue is often maintaining course. One's sea kayak can really get knocked around, and incorporating forward momentum, balance/bracing, along with course corrections can be rather challenging. Good on you for dealing with it and brining the subject up. Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> At the moment I move from strong forward paddling strokes in "organized" > waves to short and more rapid shallow angle strokes when in clapotis of > about the same height (1-1.5meters). I think that the key is to relax and NOT overcorrect. Your kayak gets pushed around but it tends to get pushed on and off course. I try and NOT keep compulsively on course. I leisurely try and keep on course. It is quite likely that the next wave will push you back in the correct direction. Go with the flow. Let the stuff slap you around. The waves in these conditions seem to me to pack less punch although they are chaotic. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>Go with the flow. Let the stuff slap you around. The waves in these >conditions seem to me to pack less punch although they are chaotic. Sounds like Aikido paddling. Makes a lot of sense, fighting the ocean seldom works very well. Figuring out how to use vectors of the currents, winds, waves, etc. to get you where you want to be makes more sense. Easier to say than do, however. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dave Flory, San Jose, CA. daflory_at_pacbell.net Go Sea Kayaking!! (C)2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speak softly and study Aikido, then you won't need a big stick. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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