Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
Searching for the Gee spot is a video that had a great influence on my freestyle paddling and encouraged me to spend lots of time getting the moves right on flatwater before progressing on to the moving stuff. Corran Addison has kindly given persmisson for Searching For The Gee Spot to be shared online via Unsponsored. Enjoy.
The quality of the video is a little bit sketchy but it is exactly the same as the VHS tape that I have.
Grinding is essentially a sideways surf on a green wave. The whole idea has come about with the development of flat planning hulls. Without one you will not be able to pull the move off.
Grinding a wave is an awesome feeling but your wave selection must also be right. Ideally the wave should be fast with a green face. The initiation of the grind is similar to that of a flat spin. Start with a reverse sweep (pry) until the boat has turned 90 degrees. When 90 degress is reached turn the reverse sweep into a forward stroke to steady the boat. At the same time drop your upstream edge so the hull is as flat on the wave a possible without power flipping. Keep your centre of gravity over the middle of the kayak and keep the grind going with subtle paddle strokes on your downstream side.
Today’s play boats all feature a planing hull, which is very flat to allow the boat to plane to the surface of the river when it attains speed. When planing, the boat can spin around a central point. On waves, this is what makes flat-spins possible. Without a planning hull you won’t be able to pull this move off.
To get a truly flat spin you’ll need a good fast wave with a sizable face. You need to get yourself to a the top of the wave. This can be achieved through surf the kayak nack and forth until you get your self postioned correctly. Just like when you are surfing use a stern rudder to start turning your boat. Your aim is to follow through with the turn and rotate yourself along with your boat around the paddle. The key here is to keep your boat flat. Any edging will result in the loss of the spin or you may drop off the wave. Try and keep your weight centred over the kayak. This will aid the turn.To initiate the spin you’ll need to bring the paddle blade forward from its stern rudder position whist at the same time drop your upstream edge to match the angle of the wave. This will allow the boat to break free from the wave and begin to spin.
Use your head! Turn your head and body in the direction you wish to spin and the boat will follow!
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