C-Forum

Is the c-1 challenge vid by kent ford worth picking up for a beginner? I'm not too interested in the rolling and outfitting segment, just strokes and techniques. Any info/opinions on this are welcomed. Thanks!

-Matt

I would call it more of a historical video. Some basic strokes are covered and there are some great shots of enders and stern squirts as well as a few hand rolls. Its amazing to see these manouvers in a 13'-2" slalom boat. It also suggests to me that there are some opportunities to be explored in C-1 design. Sir Adam is pursuing this in one direction (squirt boat). I would like to see if the viper could be shortened a foot or so. If the boat is short enough to initiate a cross bow stroke on the flat it would take advantage of the C-paddlers height above the deck as is common in k-1 conversions. Why bother? Because the lightest plastic boat weighs in at 30 + lbs, where as a glass boat will weigh in at less than 20 lbs . Don't think in terms of sitting in a boat, think of wearing a boat. The groove which you can see in the rec boats section is quite a lively boat but I think it would be a challenge to cruise in, and I like to cruise as well as do some surf and play.
Well as far as C-1 videos go there doesn't seem to be a large enough body of C-1'rs to support it. Come to a C event and there you will see and meet people with some talent who are more than willing to share their techniques.
till next
Jim

If you can get your hands on We Designed Em, by Clive, that's a pretty sweet C1, OC1 only flick. Mind you it's non instuctional, but dam entertaining!

I think it's a great video to see good technique and Kent gives you some pointers on how to do a proper 'J" stroke etc.

I can't remember Kent's website, but if you go to a search engine and type in Kent Ford III in Durango Colorado, you will probably find it.

Good Luck....DM