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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: Q700 - Handling/skill level question
Posted By: Paul Jacob In Response To: Q700 - Handling/skill level question *Pic* (Jim Kozel)
Date: Friday, 5 September 2003, at 12:14 a.m.
Hi Jim -
Just to give you a frame of reference for developing balancing skills - I started paddling a high performance surfski earlier this summer. It's 19' long and 18" BOA, probably 17" BWL. It's seriously tippy. When I first started out, I couldn't paddle 10 feet without violently getting those tense, over reactive, Oh-S*^t-I'm-gonna-tip-over, feelings. I just couln't relax no matter what. 2x per week for an hour or so and I've gotten to where I can completely relax for 5-10 minutes or so in FLAT water. If I add some ballast to the boat I can venture out into the ocean with rolling swells and some light chop. In the bay with ballast I can surf boat wakes and keep paddling with full beam chop and wakes. Nevertheless, I still go swimming once or twice per week. I'm led to believe my progress is fairly rapid.
You are trying to train your instinctive balancing muscles to keep from over compensating when your body senses instability. There is no replacement for time on the water to develop this. It can't be rushed. A few things you can do: Keep your sight well ahead of the boat while paddling - DON'T look at your paddle! Keep your vision stable to keep your body stable. Put some ballast in the bottom of the boat - 10-15 lbs will make a difference. 20-25 lbs will make more of a difference. Try to relax as much as possible while paddling - this is tough but relaxation is the key. Be patient with yourself - this will be a long term skill development process but it's not magic and you're not defective. Short frequent sessions are much more beneficial and effective than long, infrequent paddles. Like I said - you can't force it.
I know how frustrating it can feel, but in a few weeks you'll definitely feel progress although you'll still feel like a bobble-head doll. There will come a point where the progress is enough that you'll feel encouraged. I've heard of guys learning to paddle K-1's and surfskis who take years to get fully comfortable in the boat, so the only real question is how patient are you willing to be?
Good luck
Paul
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