Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
The skills section is now back on the site. I am working on the old content, bringing it up to date with photos I have collected over the years. I also have a number of videos that will also be added to the collection.
If would like to contribute please let me know.
A loop is one of these re-discovered moves that has caught the imagination of paddlers and kayak designers the world over. If you imagine a cartwheel in in hole but with no edging of the kayak involved. The kayak cartwheels (loops) end over end with the bow ploughing under the water and throwning the paddler upside down. As this happens the stern of the now upside down boat gets caught by the on coming water resulting in the paddler ending up right on the wave!!
Small boats with plenty of volume help, as does the addition of an overthruster. This prevents volume being lost due to the spraydeck being pushed inside of the kayak. In addition it also prevents the deck imploding which would probably result in a “technical swim”!
Pick a hole that is deep enough to pull the move in. The last thing you need is finding yourself being driven into the river bed. If the stopper has a high pile then this will also make the move easier to initiate. Continue reading
The bow stall is one of these great new moves that has captured the imagination of paddlers the world over. It’s not a dynamic move, no “air” is gained but it shows the paddlers skill and control of the boat. Essentially the bow stall involves balancing the boat on its bow and keeping it in that position using body weight and small paddle adjustments.
A blast is simply a forward or backward surf in a hole or on a wave where the stern or bow of the boat is lifted clear of the water.
Back Blast
To start this move get fairly high up on the pile. This will help you build up some upstream momentum to do the move. Start to slide down the pile and put in a reverse stroke on your downstream side. As the boat spins to face down stream get you weight forward to pull the stern clear of the water and force your bow under the pile. You should be able to steady the boat with small hip movements or with small adjustments with your paddle, which should be in front of you in the water. Continue reading
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