RE: [Paddlewise] Legs Are Everything

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net
[mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net] On Behalf Of James
Sent: 07 September 2004 15:11
To: paddlewise
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Legs Are Everything

Jim wrote:

>But look at the fastest kayakers there are - the sprint boaters.  
>You'll not find a good one without back and foot bracing.  

Sprint boats never have back bracing - in order to drive with your legs you
need to be able to move glutes and lower back around in the seat. Foot
bracing is ideally just a bulkhead with a slot in it for the tiller bar -
typical touring kayak foot pegs (even the ones which aren't attached to
rudder controls) flex too much. The gees site has clear pictures of sprint
boat seats/outfitting http://www.gees-england.co.uk/index.html

FWIW I prefer also to have a very loose fit in my sea kayaks, so that I can
move about during the stroke, with a knee tube providing control of the boat
for rolling etc. This doesn't work with keyhole cockpits.

Here is a fine video of a paddler with good form on an ergo, no boat so its
very easy to see the stroke mechanics, and get a good idea of the
considerable power which can be generated by the legs.

http://www.pogies.com/speedstroke/speedstroke_movie.htm

Cheers

Colin

Colin Calder
www.kayakscotland.com
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