firstly g'day from down under.
i'm wanting to pick the collective brains of the outrigging fraternity so that i may hopefully further my knowledge (and fingers crossed, skills also) as a steerer.
firstly i would like to know a few different ways of attacking racing turns during sprint/short course events. i have been paddling for 8 years and steering for the past 2 or 3. i have never actually received any real training in this role and have relied largely on self tuition. on the whole i consider myself to be an ok steerer but would like to take it to the next level and with a lack of what i would consider to be excellent steerers in my area, would greatly appreciate any help.
just as a bit of background info, my current crew is relatively green and so presents me with the opportunity of drilling them without having to worry about preset habits. this i consider to be my crew's greatest strength but also it's greatest weakness. they are able to be molded so that what we do compliments each other, but it also means that the crew lacks the experience to think independantly.
if anyone can make any suggestions as to how i can start to mold my guys that would also be greatly appreciated.
my biggest concern is sprint turns so if you can suggest/cover everything from structure of the boat to what to do during the turn, i would be forever indebted to you.
cheers guys
dogpaddler
North Queensland, Australia
Submitted by dogpaddler on Tue, 03/21/2006 - 6:47pm
there is a very good book called,
"The Art and Skill of Steering" that can be picked up from
http://www.kanuculture.com
There are several different theories about sprint turns and they take a lot of practice to complete efficiently... I am no expert.
#1 Wed, 03/22/2006 - 1:04pm
My opinion (but I'm definitely no expert either) regarding the diagrams and instructions in the book (Art & Skill of Steering) is that the approach is kind of narrow. I believe they show the turn so that it looks like a rather sharp "V" -- I was taught that it's more efficient to approach slightly wide so that the path of the turn is more like a "U". Curve in with a slight poke when the ama is at about a 45 degree angle to the flag while still maintaining power/speed, then poke hard when the nose is even with the flag (it will seem like too soon) and simultaneously call the "uni" (the boat is already almost perpendicular to the course before the poke/uni, try to match up with the stroker to hit it exactly together). Stroker pokes (uni) on the right, Seat 2 crabs left to help hold/turn the nose while the rear swings around. At this point, seats 3/4/5 should ease up a bit on power, just maintain the rhythm, to allow the rear to swing (think of a stunt car trying to pull a sharp turn at top speed, brake & skid). The steerer & stroker/seat 2 can also release the uni/crab and kahi on the right & left (respectively) to help it around. When the boat is about 45 degrees from where you want it to end up, everyone should start paddling forward again to pick up hull speed (including steerer, but be prepared to correct so that you don't swing too far). All of this is way easier said than done...
I really have no idea what I'm talking about, just regurgitating a compilation of what I was taught!!! I hope other (better) steerers can help out here because I would LOVE to know other methods/theories!
#2 Wed, 03/22/2006 - 2:03pm
thanx for that. they are some of the things that i have had people talk about in the past. i guess i just need to get out there and practise but i guess the biggest thing is knowing exactly what i want the crew to be doing and when they are to do it.
re the art and skill of steering, i am canvasing the area to see if anyone has a second hand copy, otherwise i may have to bite the bullet.
#3 Wed, 03/22/2006 - 3:10pm