Hi guys,
I'm a Novice OC-1 paddler that have only probably been on a OC-1 less than a dozen times total.
I recently got a OC-1 so I've been able to go out more consistently. I have been out every weekend for the last month. Is it my ineptness or did everyone huli a lot when they first started OC-1? Also, what's the best way to right the canoe from the ama side after a huli? The last few times I've been out, it was choppy and am not quite sure what to do when swells come to the ama side. Is it just the ol' time on the water?
As always, appreciate the help and advice guys!
Thanks!
Submitted by ai_kea on Tue, 04/22/2008 - 3:43am
just keep paddling, its only a matter of miles, plus there is nothing more fun than the very first dayssssss.....eventualy you will be flying the AMA intentionaly to go faster....just spend as much water time you can, and it will CLICK
aloha and have fun!
#1 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 3:48am
When I first started paddling outriggers I hulied alot . Looking back I think the reason was because the motion of the boat is way different than a mono hull . The boat seemed at the time to have a more of a catamaran feel to it ,,,, , definately took some getting used to . The ama was always coming up and giving the sensation of the boat wanting to huli. To compensate I used to lean left alot . Of course this isn`t the correct fix and it hurts your back and left cheek after a while.
So with time in the boat and getting good coaching I learned to sit balanced in the middle of the boat and be ready on the right side with a low brace whenever needed. I`ve found that when I huli these days , it happens only when paddling on the left side and therefore have no brace on the right .
With time on the canoe your right side low brace will become automatic.
Just so you know, a low brace is done usually at the end of the stroke , paddle shaft more or less at a 45 degree angle to the hull ,across your right thigh , palm down , elbow up.
With practice and time you will become rock steady even in very rough waters. Like the ones here in Maine. Definately not flat up here.
http://maineoutriggerchampionships.blogspot.com/
#2 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 4:41am
Time is the answer.. when I started I couldn’t make it a klm and I would swim 10 times; but within two weeks I was hooked for life. take your time it will come. Sit on that big ball they have , lift weights on it, kneel on it watch tv on it, your balance will improve .
#3 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 6:08am
Like everyones said, time on the water cures all. One balance trick that applies is always keeping your chin up. In any undertaking that requires balance, as soon as you drop your chin, your balance markedly decreases. Has something to do with the position of your inner ear.
#4 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 6:29am
If you put "huli" in the search you will see a lot of descriptions of technique. The best way to see how to get in is at surfski info site you will find linked when you do the huli search. Seems like there are 4 ways to unhuli yourself (which I am still trying to get down)
1) push the canoe back over (without slamming the ama) use iako or gunwel to slow monmentum and get in from the same side you fell in (almost always the right) this way you will avoid tangling your leg rope..Most straight forward method.
2) Swim under the canoe (thus tangling your leg rope) drape your arms over the canoe and flip it over without slamming the ama and get in from the stable left side (easy) You will have to take off your leg rope and pull it around and put it back on. IMO this is the easiest way, also the slowest and when you undo you leg rope you invite loss of the canoe in which case you are f-ed.
3) Slide over the belly of your overturned canoe. As you slide over grab the iako of side of canoe and pull it over as you go over. A little tricky to do the without slamming the ama. Now your leg rope is not tangled and you can get in the canoe from the stable left side you also have a lot of leverage to pull it over this way and this is good (so I hear) in heavy surf/wind (not much of that in LA) With the disclaimer that in doing this you might scratch/damage your canoe if you are not careful or if you have metal snaps on your shorts etc or a soft layup/ultralight. I have a kevlar/carbon fusion and it seem to be really tough.
4) If you have your leg rope attached to the rear iako you can swim to the rear of the canoe, kick your leg over and proceed to get in from the left. If you have a short rope, this will not work and I have not tried this but it might work for you.
I guess what is good in all this is that paddlers cruz around all day in really rough water without flipping so it is doable. I didnt find any clear vids of huli recovery for OC-1.
#5 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 10:28am
if you use a waist camel back, you can alleviate the leash tangles by tying your leash to the camel back from the rear iako, instead of your ankle or knee... you get another 3 feet of play on your leash...
if you don't wear use a pack, then skip this
#6 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 11:16am
Time on water.
When rigging your boat set the rear iaku on deepest setting into ama, thus making boat more stable while you get your balance. Bring it up and inch at a time (or less) as you get more comfortable
In terms of stroke techniqe, keep your head & torso in the center of boat, twisting rather than lunging when planting the paddle in for a stroke.
Learn how to brace on right, then practice often to make it an instinctual habit once boat rolls to right.
And lastly, when in rough seas and you feel timid, keep driving with the stroke, don't back off. Strongest position of balance & strength is when the blade is in the water.
#7 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 11:41am
Man, what great advice. Every single one of you guys have great tips.
I definitely will use everything you guys suggested.
Huge confidence builder also. I was getting a little frustrated and discouraged form huli'ing so much, but I just have to keep pluggin' away and get more comfortable.
Thanks again guys for the invaluable advice!
#8 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 6:26pm
Funny nobody mentions the Ama training wheels, A great way to learn to paddle and fly the ama without the huli, As you develop the brace the training ama can be removed,
#9 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 7:03pm
In case anyone didn't notice ... this thread is 100% grade A serious w/ Shawn kicking in .... right on man.
#10 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 8:30pm
Hey Chris, that would be great, any for sale? I think it would be a perfect thing to include in a beginner package, worth the $$. If I were to go back huli recover and right brace would be number one, everything else would go so much better after that! A small investment to avoid a lot of discomfort.
#11 Tue, 04/22/2008 - 10:33pm