I've used the "paddle in straight for as long as you can, brace once you're broached" technique with loaded touring boats. It's worth remembering that you have some (limited)control over direction even when broached and bracing: tilting the boward edge of the bracing blade a bit upward will move your boat backward parallel to the wave by directing waterflow as a jet forward, and vice-versa. If you're confident of not capsizing, you can be even more agressive by angling the entire paddle toward the bow (while still in a partial brace) to move backward and vice-versa - always being mindful not to set yourself up for shoulder dislocation. With a loaded touring boat, you can't dance back and forth across the front of the wave as an empty surf kayak can, but it's a good ace to have up your sleeve if you notice you're heading to broadside the lone rock on an otherwise empty beach... Cheers, Philip __________________________________________________________________ Switch to Netscape Internet Service. As low as $9.95 a month -- Sign up today at http://isp.netscape.com/register Netscape. Just the Net You Need. New! Netscape Toolbar for Internet Explorer Search from anywhere on the Web and block those annoying pop-ups. Download now at http://channels.netscape.com/ns/search/install.jsp *************************************************************************** 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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