RE: [Paddlewise] WORKOUT BOAT

From: Mitch Merritt <mmerritt_at_awesi.com>
Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 12:37:47 -0500
 I will have to agree with Craig on this one.

 I have taken to participating in whitewater pool sessions throughout
the winter to help me stay in shape for the warmer season. It has been
greatly beneficial to the conditioning, and strengthening of my
shoulder, after having had rotator cuff repairs.

 My roll has improved tremendously, as well as my ability to control
straight line paddling. My bracing technique has improved tremendously
too. It has taught me more in one winter, than I would have gained in
2-3 summers in my long boat.

One thing that happens with any whitewater kayak at speed is the build
up of spin momentum. It takes effort to maintain a straight line
whenever the boat is moving. The one benefit to this "spin out" is that
you get fairly good at paddling backwards, which in turn, helps
strengthen different muscles.

 The cost for a used ww boat can be high, or reasonable. I recently
bought me a new, discontinued Pyranha, for less than $350 after
shipping!! The seller also threw in a used (great condition) spray skirt
for $15. I easily could have spent $1200 for the boat and skirt new.
E-Bay is great for finding used gear. Many of the ww retailers usually
have a selection of used/demo boats too.
http://www.paddlesportsonline.com/newboatbarndb.asp is a good place to
start.

 Another benefit to a ww boat, is car topping. Or in my case, NOT
car-topping, as this boat fits inside the bed of my S-10 with the cap
closed and locked!



Stay low, keep movin'!





Mitch Merritt

Indianapolis, IN.
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Received on Tue May 17 2005 - 10:33:56 PDT

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