Technique Section

[Jon]

Great start. Hope to see more. Perhaps just include links to things like the Tips for Paddling Class V link a while ago.

The Forward Stroke article.

1. Colour and pictures seem to be missing. (Next version?)

2. Under - Details for Experts
"The second is to keep the chest arched and leaning forward without engaging the hips, because this requires less body movement."

Could someone please explain this? The strongest forward stroke move I know of is to lean way forward, plant the paddle and then yank the boat forward by staightening up. Only good for the first few strokes from a standing start. This is a lot of body movement. Don't think that is what is being described above.

[Sir Adam]

You are correct-I still need to finish porting over the images from the site that Jamie McEwan so graciously translated for us...and add more content.

CBoats and CBoating is definitely one of the passions in my life, but my business clients (I'm a financial advisor) have to come first (as well as AdkSara ).

[Jon]

I can only imagine the amount of time a website like this can suck from your life, if you let it. On behalf of myself and all of the rest of us who use and appreciate your efforts. Thanks

[squeakyknee]

Yes, thanks Very Much.Great info,pictures,people,
C-boaters paradise
Shawn

[msims]

John, what kind of boat do you paddle?

I really noticed especially when I switched to C1, You CANNOT do the stroke you're referring to because the boat is so much more affected by body movements. Maybe in an open boat it doesnt matter esp with the first few strokes?

[Jon]

I paddle a Phantom. Not only does the boat start to bob fore and aft, but I run out of steam real quick doing the 'lean forward and yank' stroke.

I was looking for an explaination of the 'first gear' stroke from the technique section.

[Tiggy]

Sounds to me the boat needs to be on a carve to paddle the "low-gear". I think I know what hes taliking about. It might not be so much a matter of "leaning forward", but rather using the full rotation of your torso and keeping the end of your stroke slightly in front of your hip, or no corrrection stroke at all, because the boat is on a carviing edge. Been awhie since I read that article, butit was a great write up!

[Sir Adam]

First off, Thank you for your Thanks, and again your patience .

Secondly, I think it is important to keep in mind that the articule currently posted in the Technique section was writting regarding Slalom C1ers...GREAT article, but realize that the technique may need to change subtly if you're in a different boat (unless I'm doing something seriously wrong (and I could be, as those who've paddled with me know ), the stroke outlined WOULD NOT work well in, say, the Oxygen. Well, unless I wanted to be on an instant bow pivot . You're Phantom I believe is the same way-there is more rocker compared to a slalom boat, and although the goal is to keep the boat from bobbing by using your upper body (including your stomach muscles) in conjunction with your knees, you'll have to be more about any weight shifts. A 1" move fore or aft in my slalom boat (by my shoulders, say) produces a VERY slight change in the boat...in a Phantom it would change the boats position quite a bit (depending on your weight, of course...).

Out of curiousity, do other folks out there agree with my analysis above in general? (regarding having to tweak a technique depending on the boat)

[patterbear]

I would agree with the above anlysis, though I would add that this applies to more than just a forward stroke (okay, so that's an obvious comment). I currently paddle a Rodeo, and used to paddle a Skeeter, and the difference in hull form makes a big difference in where and how I place (and use) a turning stroke or brace. Even the higher open deck makes a difference in my stroke form, as there is more boat to work around...