Re: [Paddlewise] Bow rescue

I've seen some debate on the bow rescue this year - I attended the first
annual Whitewater Symposium at Zoar Outdoor in MA, and found out that some
whitewater instructors don't teach it.

I, on the other hand, teach it frequently, and was just asked last week by
one of my  whitwater students from last why.

1. In beginning progression it helps people to be patient and stay upside
down, and gives them something to do.
2.  It's a good progression from hip-snapping off the bow.
3. It's a great way to keep some people busy while helping others.
4. As said, in begining whitewater, it saves a lot of time.

That said, I've been integrating team building and water polo in both
whitewater and instructor level coastal courses. One great game is to have
a circle with some one in the middle. They flip over, and someone
from  the outside is called to give a bow rescue. It's really fun
and it shows both groups various difficulties while it trains them
in being accurate.

In coastal instructor courses it's fun to flip over unexpectedly and pound
on the boat - people get sensitive to it and they more ready and alert.
They know that if they don't get there on time they are in for a
scenario! I think that is good training.

Both groups end up watching their peers more carefully.

It's also really important to stress not hanging out too long, and that
it's ok to swim once in awhile, for safety's sake. Rapid coming up,
knowing when your are running out of air, whatever.
Being aware of what is coming up that could hurt you so you don't hang out
too long.

Andree








Andree Hurley
ACA Instructor Trainer
http://www.onwatersports.com
New products: http://www.viewit.com/Store/Gaia/
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