[Paddlewise] Doug's push-pull stroke

Matt said:
>Doug, can you give us a more detailed description of your push-pull stroke?
I'm not sure I'm getting the right mental picture. Are you moving your body
fore and back like in a straight shaft canoe stroke?<

That's a hard one to answer Matt. I'm not big on stoke mechanics, nor
describing the finer subtleties -- not that there's anything subtle about my
sea kayak stroke. I'm especially embarrassed given the expertise on this
list with respect to that issue.

Guess its basically a modification of the SOF user's sprint stroke as
demonstrated by Arne Nielson, only I carry the stroke well astern of the
hips, with a much more arrgesive forward lean which plants the blade well
forward, allowing a strong and goodly amount of pulling backwards to gain
momentum ( and "lowers the gear" a bit). To increase the overall effect of
the stroke cycle I somehow force the kayak physically forward which using
body language and momentum. I use my large thigh muscles, abdominal muscles,
and back obliques to muster the required force. I can actually physically be
left with seemingly bruised lower back ribs after particularly aggressive
paddling.

I'm pretty hopeless at taking advice any more from better paddlers or those
who can provide the insight toward more efficient paddling. I applaud guys
like Duane who work hard on improving their stroke. Nigel Foster offered to
give me some free individuated lessons one afternoon last year. I refused.
Can't teach an old Doug new tricks. Very sad.

Dang Matt, don't know what else to tell you. Works for me though and helps
propel my heavy yak. I'll be paddling the family around Cortez Island this
summer in the big freighter canoe where I'll be able to better apply my
canoe-like stroke. Love pulling on that water. Take care, fair winds, hope
there's lots of good boat wake to chase on Lake Union.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC



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