----- 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 *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Peter, Thanks for your always great summary statements that amalgamate the various rejoiners after you have posted a question. The short clapotis thread highlighted most of the major considerations. May I add a few extra thoughts? (I should get on with some SK Mag. articles on the go, so I can buy a new drysuit, but this subject is close to my heart). Clapotis conditions, while subject to many consistent characteristics, still needs to be viewed on a case-by-case basis. To the outside observer (one who has avoided said conditions) it may appear that the various replies suggested different approaches and therefore, different advice -- all from paddlers claiming experience in this field. It is important to remember that each individual's understanding and strategy of dealing with clapotis varies to some degree. Also, the individual topography, shoreline shallows, superimposed swell, tidal currents, and variable angularity of wave direction, etc., all create different circumstances within the area of concern being transited. Kevin said: <snip> 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. <snip> Kevin's observation has some merit. Just make sure you do this in controlled conditions at first. I prefer to use this "eyes shut" approach to eddyline crossings at first, then move on to more challenging initiations into different hazards. And don't feel obligated to actually go out and try this. Sensory deprivation is a great skill builder for sure, but if you want the "Force to be with you" young Luke, especially in more erratic conditions, visual clues ultimately negate timing errors and the resultant "air brace". However, some good advice as usual from "Yodo", nevertheless. Jedi Master Kevin also said: 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. <snip> True enough usually. But clapotis caused by reflected waves striking a breakwater or other more natural obstruction at an angle do often reflect back and superimpose on the original pattern of wave direction. And while the trough can be balanced level by the crest of another, when the crests do coincide together the wave can be considerably higher and the bow or stern can slide off course a fair bit. Wind waves on top of swell doing this can really make it interesting. Waves striking dead perpendicular to an object, as you know, reflect back out and can cause very high verticality where the breaking wave can seemingly launch you upwards leaving you with nothing to brace on. This is where you need to let the kayak do its thing while you maintain a ready port or starboard brace -- or as often the case with me, just put your paddle far above your hear, horizontally on plane, and wait for your inner cues to suggest the next move. Clapotis can also form by waves refracting around a small island or drying reef/rocks. Add some non-beach type breaking surf (boomers, etc.) into the equation and you had better have a reliable roll. Kevin is correct however, in that the more regular haystacking conditions encountered by most paddlers look far worse than it really is. I've also been off Cape Beale (entrance to Barkley Sound) with an outgoing current and a 4-5 meter swell reflecting off the headland with added afternoon wind waves. Trying to stay relaxed and reflecitive was as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Throw in heaps of thick kelp forrests, and you have some ultimately challenging conditions. Even in that stuff, Robert Livingstons advice still holds true: <snip> "I think that the key is to relax and NOT overcorrect." I tend to always overcorrect. Then again, I like to be in control always, holding the course that _I set_, often in order to navigate other hazards nearby. In more open expanses, maybe I'll try to take a bit of advice from others on the list. I'm also always willing to learn and readjust my thinking/techniques from others. Doug Lloyd (okay, back to weightlifting and more serious writing) *************************************************************************** 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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