RE: [Paddlewise] Draw Strokes - Edging

	I'd have to be answering this from the perspective of a canoeist (think of
a canoe as a kayak without a top if that helps).
I originally learned, and now teach, that the gunwale facing the paddle
should be slightly elevated.  This lets the boat 'glide' more readily
across the water surface.  If it were down, then water would pile up on it
slowing the move, making me work more, and with a canoe if it's down too
far I'll have water in the boat.  
	A general rule with such a boat in moving water is to 'lean downstream'. 
That's mostly to let the onrushing water slide under the boat rather than
piling up on that side -- sometimes to the point where it gets the gunwale
under water and flips the boat.  Works for ferrying and for peeling out. 
--Especially when I'm trying to avoid a rock;  if I hit, the edge stays
above water and I just might get around the rock on the pillow.  The other
way I could be in a difficult position.

Joe P.



> [Original Message]
> From: <john_at_outdoorplace.org>
>
> What is the consensus on the most effective (efficient, stable) way to
edge
> a kayak on  draw strokes?  When executing a draw and sculling draw
stroke, I
> learned to face the draw side (paddle side), paddle vertical, and edge the
> kayak so the draw side of the kayak is slightly UP.  However, a friend
> learned to edge the draw side DOWN.  
> A quick search on the internet and my small library turned up inconsistent
> techniques:
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