|
Power Sweep – when you wind up to do a kayak sweep stroke – make it short and powerful . This is no time for lily dippers - face the direction you're heading and give ‘er. The idea is to move quickly and efficiently with a rapid cadence. Focus on planting the blade near your toes and lead with your shoulder (that’s the wind up). Push directly away from your boat so the sweep is doing the most efficient job. I usually quit when the blade gets way out in a curve and directly out from my hips – and wind up for another sweep. You don’t want your arms to collapse – keep them with a bit of a bend at elbow (don’t forget to lift your elbows a bit) with the paddle shaft at least a foot away from you throughout stroke at chest height. Edge the hull – try both towards and away from paddle side – the former is more stable, the latter more funner. Both enhance the turn and are used in different wind/current situations so practice each edge til you are the king of edging. Key points are a short burst of power – look the way you are going and keep the paddle shaft as parallel to water as possible. Always look like you know what you are doing – that’s probably the most important. Always pretend the boat is doing exactly what you want it to do if someone is looking - otherwise it doesn't matter.
|
