C-Forum

sorry to be asking such a dumb question, but I've seen this word used in a variety of contexts in several different threads and can't for the life of me figure out what it means. thanks.

Just means moving upstream against the current, generally eddy-hopping and using features to make upstream progress.

thanks Shep

from the dictionary on my Mac computer

attainment |əˈtānmənt|
noun
the action or fact of achieving a goal toward which one has worked : the attainment of a mystical state of communion with God.
• (often attainments) a thing achieved, esp. a skill or educational achievement : scholarly attainments.

As Shep stated, in paddling that means to attain upstream. Do attainments is a great way to develop your paddling both physically (paddling against current) as well as other paddling skills (using river/water features, river/water reading, and so on).

http://vimeo.com/3606674" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Up stream attainments are a good way to measure your progress in "attaining" a good efficient forward stroke.
If you did the move in 5 trying doing it in 4.


(break is over; back to putting a new roof on the back deck)

It helps to have a really fast boat...
Attainment Workout

"Attaining" is paddling upstream, including back up through rapids. It's a fantastic way to work on subtle things, like boat angle, lean, and water reading, in addition to obvious things, like power. I think controlling lean and angel is often more important than brute force in getting up. My preferred spot is to start by the Hirschdale on ramps/overpass. Going up to the footbridge is a good workout/challenge. At the right water levels, you can continue up towards the Boca outlet, and I've occasionally made it past the island. You can also go up from the Boca outlet, but it's often shallow enough to make attaining in a c-boat a challenge. K-1's can use a shallower "waddling" stroke to get past shallows. And a fast, light boat is a big help.

Never saw anybody attain quite like Mr Davey Hearn.

Attainment is a method to test whether your forward stroke is worth a darn. It does the same for all other aspects of boat control.

This trip involves TWO DAYS of attainment!

http://youtu.be/U4NNgFOt-Zc