Re: [Paddlewise] storm seas long paddles staying upright

The Mystery looks like a beautiful boat. I will get a go fast boat one 
of these days. I appreciate the learning curve of real world balance 
skills they provide, in addition to actually going fast in a sea kayak. 
I know the wing paddles are also a part of the solution for that, but I 
have very little experience with that. By the way, the other day I 
dropped into a rapid the other day, didn't account for a funny little 
current that took me by surprise dropped me like rock, a big ol' beaver 
slap later and I was up looking for the exit signs. I said to myself, 
ya Rob, you never brace or get too reactive, proactive all the way for 
you! I thought of this discussion and had to laugh.

Cheers,

Rob G


-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Hayward <pdh_at_mmcl.co.nz>
To: rcgibbert_at_aol.com; skimmer_at_enter.net; PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net
Sent: Tue, Jul 20, 2010 6:21 pm
Subject: RE: [Paddlewise] storm seas long paddles staying upright


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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