Question for everyone regarding how to improve paddling through rough waters.
I've only been paddling for a couple of years now, so I know a large part of this is pure experience. But looking for any tips or perhaps things to practice on that may be helpful in improving my ability to hold a better hull speed when paddling in rougher waters.
The majority of my paddling is done in relatively calm waters and I've improved enough over the past year where I at the same level (or in some cases faster) than many experienced paddlers in flat water races. But if we are racing in bumpy waters, particularly with waves coming at me from my ama side, I find myself getting blown away other paddlers.
Other than seat time, any tips for improving skills and or confidence in these types of conditions.
What types of drills maybe helpful - perhaps setting my ama to a more "tipply setting" for practice?
Mahalo
Submitted by dlucey on Tue, 07/25/2006 - 7:07am
One of the things that sets this sport apart from other paddle sports is the motion of the ocean. Making your canoe go in “the rough†is what makes you an outrigger paddler. Most of it isn’t technique, it’s tactics. It isn’t even being strongest. Sometimes it’s just being smartest.
Make sure you’re seeing everything. Water can be complicated and it’s common for wave action to come in, simultaneously, from different directions. Before you can take advantage of favorable action, you have to recognize it. Like, you may notice windchop on your ama side, but that windchop could be running on top of a favorable groundswell.
If you don’t see anything running completely your way, look for small stuff; bumps or refractions; anything that can pick up the okole of your canoe and drop the nose. The bump might not be big enough to give you a legitimate ride, but it may give you a couple quick strokes that will help you nudge ahead of the competition. Everybody likes big waves coming square from behind, but to win races you have to also be able to scrounge the small stuff from weird angles.
Don’t be afraid to make detours: if you can increase your boat speed by taking some waves that are running off course, you may need to take those waves and then plan on tacking back to your original course. The fastest route isn’t always a straight line. Just remember, if you go too far out of your way, you better be making the detour worthwhile. That means getting your speed up and keeping it there.
If there’s just nothing going your way (and everyone’s had days like that), like, if you’re paddling into a big headwind or something, all you can do is work. Find the best stroke you can manage in the conditions and do that really hard. I know some people who shorten their strokes and increase their rate very high into windchop with a wicked fast return. They claim it keeps the average boat speed higher; it prevents them from settling down so much between strokes and for them, maybe that’s easier or more efficient. I also know some people who run a really slow rate with a very long, deep, stroke in the same conditions. For these slow-rate guys, they’re getting good stability from keeping their blades in the water for a longer time. They have the power to muscle through the chop.
I don’t know that how you rig your ama should have very much to do with anything unless you’re just way out of balance. You shouldn’t have to worry about it. It should just sit there and bob up and down with the waves. As long as you’re making speed, you’re not apt to huli. If you feel it come up and think it’s not going to stop, just dig your blade in a little more and pull it back down. But try not to react too much to your ama: you’re just wasting your attention and your strength. Instead, try to read the water so that you can work the water.
#1 Tue, 07/25/2006 - 9:22am
Dennis,
There is nothing you can do. I suggest eating more (preferably fatty foods with lots of refined sugar), exercising less, and maybe pick up smoking! (Maybe then I can catch you).
Seriously, I think seat time, practice in conditions, practicing catching little ground swells on flat days and letting the ama pop. Later this summer we can go out from my house and get some serious crappy side chop and just practice. I think you are kicking butt! Josh
#2 Tue, 07/25/2006 - 1:58pm
Josh,
Hey, I don't know who "Dennis" is, but it sounds like your a little jealous and getting desperate in your old age.
Let the guy in the true secrets - pass along the knowledge.
P.S. See you at the dolphin
#3 Wed, 07/26/2006 - 8:45am