Re: [Paddlewise] Better Edging: Let's get technical

I can't resist the urge to get out the Big Physics and reason the hell
out of all of you. You know me, so press DELETE now, you might be
enlightened before you know it.

I go back to a question from Mark Arnold:

> One of the problems I am having is that when I edge I feel like I can only
> get to about 3.5 and then despite physically straining with knee lift and
> side bend the kayak will not heel any further. I am not close to tipping,
> I just can not make the kayak heel over further. To even get close to the
> tipping point I have to come out of the "J" position and start leaning out.
> Once I come out of the "J" and start to lean I feel like I go very quickly
> from the 3.5 point to the 5 point even though the kayak does not change
> heel angle very much. What I wanted was to be able to get to that 5 point
> (or at least closer to it) while still in the "J" position. Is that an
> unrealistic expectation?
> 
> Mark J. Arnold
> 

I'd like to first describe all 5 steps:

0: Sitting upright. Boat is in primary stability.
1-2: Boring.
3: (to keep to the steps of Mark) Boat is in secondary stability.
Because the boat is in a stable position, there is no body lean required
to keep the boat in this position.
4: Boat is past secondary stability, but heavily pushing to get back to
it's stable position. Body lean is required to keep the boat from
pushing itself upright.
5: Boat is on edge, stable like a pencil standing on it's tip is stable.
No body lean required, constant adjustment of weight is required to keep
the boat from going back to secondary stability, or capsising.

Mark has a problem going from secondary stability to edge. If you read
the steps, you'll realize that you have to lean out to get past step 4,
but may not lean out once you reach step 5, or you will capsize. I see
to ways to get past step 4:

- Perfect timing and balance to move in full control through the steps
- Going from 0 to 5 in one quick move. 

I use the second way.

Try practicing with a paddlefloat. Use it to find the position of step
5: Push yourself up from a high brace in the wrong way: Body first, boat
last. Push yourself up slowly, with your boat tilted as far as possible,
until the weight is lifting from the paddlefloat. Stop! This is the
position you're looking for. Try to remember it, then push yourself
upright, and try to go in one swift move to the remembered position.

Good luck. By the way: Mark, your name sounds Dutch. If you live in the
Netherlands, I could give you a live demonstration some time.

Niels.
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