Re: [Paddlewise] skillful bracing

From: Patrick Maun <patrick_at_patrickmaun.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 2004 14:30:57 -0400
Here are a couple things to do to practice a high sculling brace which in turn will give you a bomber 
high brace and help with the roll. As mentioned, the sweep roll is more-or-less a high brace that 
sculls a bit. 

Have a partner stand in shallow-ish (slightly lower than the chest) water. Start out by just moving 
your paddle back and forth along the surface of the water to get a feel for the correct position of the 
blade (ie not diving) and to get your arms in the correct position. Continue doing this until 
comfortable. Now lean into the sculling brace slightly. Remember to take slow strokes and pay 
attention to your head position. Scull a few times and hip-snap back up. Use that knee and your back 
muscles not your arms. Continue doing this while slowly going lower into the water.

As you go lower, your partner can keep his/her hands underneath the paddle following its progress 
back and forth through the water. If your paddle starts to dive or you start to go over, they can stop 
the paddle from diving and give you a solid paddle hold for you to right yourself.

Your partner can also keep an eye on your head and body position. Remember to keep your non-
sculling arm nice and stable with your hand near your chest. When you feel comfortable going down 
on the scull, you can start practicing the roll. When you go over and set up for the roll, have your 
partner help to position the paddle on the waters surface and again provide backup should your 
paddle start to dive. If you miss the roll you can try again or use their shoulder or clasped hands to 
eskimo rescue upright. 

I use this method to teach sculling and rolling and it has been very succesful. In Europe I have seen 
this method used to teach the C-to-C roll and while it can be a little trickier with the sweep (due to 
the more continuous motion) it works fine as well.

-Patrick  

On Thu, 22 Jul 2004 09:54:42 -0400, Carey Parks wrote

> Interesting thought Kirby, but be the stroke in question a brace or 
> a draw or whatever, the thing that keeps me from practicing it is 
> the pumping after a wet exit. I don't mind being wet, or even 
> climbing back in. But I HATE pumping. So I'm working on my roll so I 
> can "try, try again."
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Received on Thu Jul 22 2004 - 11:31:12 PDT

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