RE: [Paddlewise] storm seas long paddles staying upright

From: Paul Hayward <pdh_at_mmcl.co.nz>
Date: Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:21:58 -0800
Rob said:
> I'm pleased to go to interesting places ... with people who've 
> worked things out for themselves

Rob - I like what you are describing in the way of body movement and hull
positioning to counter the water's attempts to upset you. I completely agree
that these skills are key to enjoying a right-way-up experience. I do
believe they are still 'reactive' skills - just faster & perhaps with less
conscious thought, due to honing them.

I haven't had much white-water experience, but I can recommend the
alternative of learning to paddle a really skinny boat in progressively
rougher conditions. I enjoy my Mystery (Nick Schade's racing/training
design) and it has dramatically improved my balance. Now, after a few years
of 'higher education' in the Mystery, when I get into my touring kayak, I
can sit and take pictures in water that would once have had my knuckles
whitening ;-)
	
There are also days - in either boat - when no pictures get taken and both
hands need to stay on the paddle. Those are fun days too - over the edge of
my comfort zone and into the zone when the wind & water can overwhelm my
skills and force me to save my skin with a brace or two.

Best Regards	
Paul Hayward, Auckland, New Zealand
(Temporarily in Alaska)
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Received on Tue Jul 20 2010 - 18:05:42 PDT

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