Mark asked: I'd like to know if anyone > out there ever surf lands their kayaks backwards? I haven't taken BCU 4 star, but I believe surf landings are taught forwards, sideways and BACKWARDS. Is there a 4 star paddler out there who can explain why/when you choose to use these different approaches? Jolie *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I'm not up to date on certification standards, but I can think of some reasons to practice backwards landings (carefully, gradually, with common sense, etc.). If you kayak in surf, you cannot assume you will never be turned about. If you ever find yourself turned around and you think going in backward makes more sense than either paddling out of the surf zone or trying to turn about in it, better to be able to fall back on some learned skills rather than improvising. (Or maybe your backward surfing practice will teach you that backward surfing is not an option except in nice conditions: better to know that and just paddle out before turning about.) I also think that paddling in as many different circumstances as possible possible teaches you more about you, your boat, and water conditions, even if you don't seek to replicate those conditions. Tom Joyce > > I haven't taken BCU 4 star, but I believe surf landings are taught forwards, > sideways and BACKWARDS. Is there a 4 star paddler out there who can > explain why/when you choose to use these different approaches? > *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Tom, I couldn't agree more. Everyone should (IMHO) be able to paddle their boats as well in reverse gear and they do in forward gear. Nothing more fun than high speed peel outs into current in reverse! (even MORE fun is with your eyes closed) steve (who is up to cert standards) Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe N 45º 36.285' 250 NE Tomahawk Isle Dr. W 122º 39.841' Portland, OR 97217 Web: www.aldercreek.com Phone: 503.285.0464 Email: aldercreek_at_qwest.net *************************************************************************** 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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