Rivers In The Sea: single blade skills in a sea kayak

Three years ago this sea paddler of some 25 years experience started to train in a second discipline. This led to the art of the open boat and single blade.

I consider there are three fundamental improvements in my sea kayaking based on time in an open boat. Improvements in appreciation of what happens inside the boat, what happens in the bit between me and the water and between the interaction of blade and the wet stuff.

Improvements inside of the boat

It was a revelation how dynamic and fluid the relationship between body and the open canoe had to be to achieve power and control. Ray Goodwin when writing about open boating notes that “experienced paddlers kneel or sit with hips and body twisted to one side not because they are experienced but because it is easier” (p 70). Heightened awareness of body posture  enhances the transition from intention to stroke. What Doug Cooper refers to as “muscles in a state of readiness” (p 14).

Informed by the ever changing dynamic of body and boat in the canoe I unlocked in the sea kayak and began to experiment with relationships and degrees of pressure at the points of connectivity, feet, knees, thighs, seat and lower back. What relationships between muscle groups built power and efficiency and which inhibit.

My relationship with the inside of my sea boat became more fluid. When to apply pressure, when not to apply.

If my time in an open boat taught me one thing it is that the bit below the deck is an important space. Fill it in dynamic way, use it and explore it and get a feel for what adopting differing relationships between points of connectivity can achieve.

Improvements in the space between boat and water

The work extending out from the side of the canoe across eddy lines has payed multiple dividends. How extended reach maximizes turning moment. How linking points of connectivity between body and blade power up the manoeuvre taking it from intention to effect.

I have learned that the space between boat and blade is not empty. It the space in where I make choices and where intent becomes paddle action.

Improvements between blade and water interface

Feedback loops between us and our paddle environment are at the heart of our paddling.  The feel of the blade in the water gives a major component of the feedback loop.

Of particular interest to me was the positive gain in developing a lighter more open handed approach to handling my paddle. The constantly changing relationship between paddle shaft and palm grip on the open boat paddle has made me more aware of developing a loose hand connection with my sea blades. This allows for greater feel in relation to what is happening at the wet end and in turn provides feedback and enhanced response to blade angle and effect.

Consider the following from Gordon Brown. “For the the whole sequence to flow the blade must slice …  forward momentum, dynamic first segment sweep on right, cross bow rudder on left hand … drop upper blade on left into water and reverse sweep … (p. 58) My point is that my understanding the complexity of that stroke in the sea kayak was enhanced by cross discipline work. The ability to feel the feedback from my blade  prior to the hours spent in my canoe would not have been acute enough for me to progress the complexity of the stroke as described.

And to conclude … 

I guess it would be remiss not to say something about all that time spent on rivers.

There was a lot to think about and a lot to take in as my appreciation of how complicated rivers grew. It stood me in good stead last year on Scotland’s west coast in the Little Corryvreckan where a river in the sea becomes a reality in the tide race. Here is my memory.

Fast Flows The Sea

“Weird sea state on the crossing over from Lunga to Scarba which delayed the passage from Garvellachs. About half to three quarters of an hour late for slack water at the Grey Dog which had formed a 500 meter rapid. Far too strong to paddle up but managed to eddy hop/ferry glide/high cross to make progress. Just.”

All in all a lot learnt, practice changed and paddle performance enhanced. And the big pay off? More fun in the boat. Whatever design it may be. My canoe is a Prospector 15 by We-no-nah and my Tiderace an Excite. They both make for a body, boat, blade platform par excellence. And last but certainly not least I am indebted to my friend Richard Turner aka ‘Biscuit‘ for his exemplary coaching in in the art of the single blade. As Gordon Brown said, “Roddy how many blades go in the water at any one time anyway?”

References:

Canoe and Kayak Handbook, BCU, Pesda Press, 2002
Coaching Handbook, BCU, Pesda Press, 2006
Sea Kayak, Gordon Brown, Pesda Press, 2006
Sea Kayak Handling, Pesda Press, 2009

Xtra Xtra Xtra: read all about it!

Paul Kuthe, a familiar name at Tiderace HQ had the chance to try the new kayak model: the Xtra which is pitched as “Perfect for surfing, rock-hopping and day touring”.

I asked him for his thoughts on the Xtra…

A chance to paddle the Xtra

Tiderace Xtra on the water. Photographer unknown.

Tiderace continues to pump out some of the best boats in the biz.  Stylish performance driven designs combined with bomber construction and clean finish work sets them apart from the sea kayak pack.  While coaching in Anglesey, North Wales in October 2011 at the 6th UK Storm Gathering, I had an opportunity to test paddle the latest offering from Aled and Tiderace.  My mind was primarily on the task at hand while on the water with clients, but I managed to put some observations together once back in the comfort of the outdoor center.

Initial impressions

Tiderace Xtra in tunnel. Photo taken by Dave White

My initial impressions of the boat was that of intrigue.  I wasn’t aware that Tiderace was about to release a new hull until there it sat waiting for me wrapped in plastic and begging to be boated.  It looked wider (especially in front of the cockpit) and shorter than anything I had seen from them thus far.

Once I slid into the cockpit, my impressions were confirmed.  This boat is roomy with a fairly high knee position. At my size, I would need to pad out the seat, hips, and knees quite a bit to get a good connection.  While the fit is not my personal cup of tea, I could see it being a good option for many paddlers.

The deck was very much like the Xcite.  The hatches, lines, and overall shape stay true to Tiderace’s style and functionality while introducing a slightly fish form profile with tons of width at the cockpit and some healthy but well balanced rocker at both ends.  As I rolled the boat over on the lawn to check the hull (and to evenly distribute the drool from passers by) I noticed how flat it was.  It looks much like the Excite from the deck side and the Extreme on the hull.

How it feels to paddle

Surfing and hopping along the shore line, this boat felt right at home.  It’s rock solid on either edge and responds well to maneuvering in tight spaces both on the inside and outside rails.  I did notice a bit of drag that I’m not use to feeling in a Tiderace boat.  The extra bow width, flat hull, steep rocker, and wider cockpit area did have a noticeable effect on initial acceleration, but once up to speed it felt great, and as I found out, it can certainly keep up with the crowd.

The day I was able to test the boat we were running a “rock hopping” class.  Due to weather conditions including stiff winds and a fairly active and changeable sea state, we were forced to switch our venue mid session to keep the clients happy.  This gave me a good chance to see what the Xtra was like over a bit of distance under a load.  We were beating into a head wind of about 20 knots on average and slogging through the beginnings of the flood current (about 1.5 knots) to get around to the next bay where we could find better protection and a more suitable learning environment.

During the 2 hour slog-fest I noticed that the Xtra, once up to speed, held it’s glide better than I though it would.  At 22.3 inches wide, it certainly inspires confidence in the rough stuff, but I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to keep up with everyone, this being their shortest boat to date at 16.5 feet.  At a point about halfway to the next play spot, the lead was starting to pull away while a student in the back was struggling to keep up with her short plastic rock specific boat (that will remain nameless in this review;), so I hooked into her and was able to accelerate past the group to the front of the pack even under tow!

“The Xtra” proved stable, fun, and maneuverable with enough room to have most folks paddling in comfort without sacrificing too much of the speed needed to keep up over those long slogs out at sea.  If you loved the Excite, but wish it was a little bigger and a touch more maneuverable you must try the Xtra!

About Paul

Paul is 178cm / 5’10″ tall and weighs 84kgs or 185 lbs. He currently paddles the Tiderace Extreme.
He favours a combination of expedition paddling with plenty of time built-in for playing and  surfing, or in his words “Surfpeditions”. “I love to pack up the boats and paddle to out of the way places.  When I get there, I like to unload kit, drop in for big rides in the break, and thread the needle through the rocks, caves, and pour-overs close to shore”.

More information on the Xtra

Thanks for the review Paul – Alice

Paul at Penrhyn Mawr. Photo taken by Justine Curgenven

Stunning winter paddling

It has suddenly turned a bit wintery here in the UK. There was some snow on the hills near the Tiderace offices yesterday. Brrr! And with this sudden drop in temperatures my thoughts turn to the possibilities of some lovely cold crisp days on the water over the festive period. Last year the UK had one of the coldest spells of weather in years, and it was also clear, windless and sunny. Perfect for winter paddling.

Glove management

It’s often said (mainly by me) that I am not “good in the cold,” I get very cold extremities, but with proper clothing, and a good glove management strategy, I can just about cope. If anyone else suffers from Reynaud’s Syndrome you’ll know what I mean.

Nonetheless, days like this on Scottish sea lochs were common, provided I wrapped up warm, didn’t plan too long day and I had hand warmers, a big jacket and gloves at the ready. I use neoprene pogies, neoprene over-gloves are good too. I also use the chemical hand-warmers for when just off the water, but find these a bit of a faff.

Special drinks and stunning sunsets

I like hot drinks (sometimes with an extra dash of inner warmth) are good for warming hands, body and mind. Of course, winter does bring it’s own rewards like red skies, temperatures on this day on Isle of Bute were well below zero Celcius.

What are your winter paddling plans?

Do you live in tropics and pull on a long sleeve T-shirt (I dream of this). Or are your lakes, rivers and seas frozen over and sea kayaking put on hold. Or are you just the tough, hardy sort who can warm their hands by dipping them in the cold water (I’ve heard that many a time).

Apparently you can get infrared gloves to help with Reynaud’s cold hands now. That sounds worth a look.

Journeys In Different Landscapes

Standing in my garage come boat shed surveying the pile of kayaking kit. Warm stuff, waterproof stuff, float me the right way up stuff. Paddles, spray deck, never to be used (I hope) emergency kit. All ship shape. Off to work. The last full weeks guiding and coaching for Kayak Bute and the 2011 season.

Into my journey professional competence is woven. Technical kayak strokes to be shared, day paddles planned and logistics to be managed. Anticipation and the excitement of meeting new people.

Being among the mountains, Beinn Alligin and sea eagles, otters and seals. As their images are reflected in Loch Torridon so it seems our own are diminished.

But what of those who are to be my paddle companions for the weeks adventure. What of their journeys? They will have traveled across physical landscape and political border. From Scotland, England, Ireland, North America and other places besides. During their journeys first tentative thoughts about an introduction to sea kayaking will have echoed. The decision to travel the miles to meet their guide and leave the familiar reflected in their minds. The introduction to their kayak to be considered.

What I know of these women and men is that their journey is far greater in scope and vision than my own. For they have never traveled by kayak before.

Sea And Landscape Magic

Their progress will be at a rate I can never match. They will move from being with the kayak as stranger to a bond of friendship and trust. As muscles are used, patterns emerge. As the days progress these beginning kayakers will find the boat and blade all the more a natural extension of themselves. They will come to that magic of stillness where strange connections connect.

Vulnerability and purpose. Pride in their new skills and prowess, humbled in the face of the sea around. And by the beauty of the ancient Inuit hunting boats which inspired the superb kayaks we build and paddle to day.

When they leave and their introduction to sea kayaking is ended they will be different. They will be different as they journey back. The boundary lines they crossed will once again be traversed. Back to homes, loved ones and the world of work.

Homeword Journey Reflections

How much richer will they feel as they take their kayak time on that homeword journey? As they reflect and share their stories in the days and weeks to come. And what journeys and stories has our own season written on the the landscapes of our mind I wonder?

Hot of the press! Shiny, 18 feet long and very Pacey

The first ever Tiderace Pace 18 arrived in the UK just over a week ago. An excited Aled Williams headed straight for the water. These are his first impressions…

“I’ve paddled the Pace twice now. First was a gentle paddle in the eddies of the Swellies, then  a full on speed training session with JW. I also took the opportunity to put it on show at the Storm Gathering evening talk – lots of admiring comments.

What does the Pace feel like?

Comfort and fit: excellent, cockpit is at the right angle, seat is in the correct position, backrest does not interfere with rotation at all. The footrest is in the correct position, and at a good height.

How is the build?

Construction: weight and stiffness is good, certainly stiff enough for the squeeze test, and light enough to carry – good balance for day touring and racing, and probably good enough for some heavy use too. No creaks or groans, no bending etc. I’ve not launched it off a wave yet, but I suspect it’ll be just fine. I can put all my weight on the roof-rack straps, no crushing at all. The rudder controls take a bit of getting used to, but I’ll fine tune the set-up.

First ever Tiderace Pace 18

And the finish?

It’s spot on!

How does the Pace feel to paddle?

Stability: with the rudder blade down I reckon I could stand up in this boat. Rudder up and it’s about similar to an Xplore-S. Rudder down and at cruising speed, absolutely rock solid – easily as stable as an Xcite. It’s a boat that is very stable when upright, it does not naturally want to rock over onto the chine, it likes to sit upright – very comforting! Secondary stability is huge, but there’s no point trying to over edge, the low back deck goes under and defeats the point of the exercise – overall the boat likes to sit upright and let the rudder do the pointing – this makes it easy to paddle.

Manoeuvrability: Responds easily to fine rudder adjustments. Paddles surprisingly well with the rudder up, in fact playing in the eddies and surfing the small standing waves was easier with the rudder up, the boat edge turns very progressively and the bow can be moved about without too much fuss. I need to investigate this more, but paddling about the eddies and waves was almost comparable to an Xcite!

Most importantly, how fast is the Pace 18?

Speed: Had quite a few sprint and long max-cruising-speed sessions tonight, and its the closest I’ve ever been to JW. Didn’t get much down wind running, but it was raring to go. Best bit was I could keep the power on all the time, the stability is great through the waves and the boils. Across the wind was effortless, boat stayed on track with very little rudder input. At max speed the boat settles down in the water, does not sway or veer about, and settles into a solid glide – it does not feel fast, there’s no drama or splashing, no rocking or bobbing, it seems to stick to the water and move – all very undramatic, but at a very high speed – you almost think your going slow until you look across at your paddling partner who’s thrashing away with water flying everywhere and his boat ripping through the water. My rocking about does not unsettle the boat. It’s also very directionally stable surfing someone else’s wake. The rounded hull and rudder means that you can cross eddylines without edging – there’s nothing to catch – and just keep the power on.

So, all in all, the first outings have been very positive: fast, well mannered and so so stable.”

What are your thoughts?
Coming soon, more from Aled on the Pace plus some photos of it in the sea!

Priorities when buying and choosing a kayak

I am home and recovering from the Scottish Canoe Association Paddle 2011 show in Perth, Scotland. It was two days of showing off a range of Tiderace boats at the Kayak Bute stand. I talked to dozens and dozens of Tiderace customers and potential customers aged 6 to 86 about kayaking and boats. They poked, prodded, felt and sat in the boats for as long as they wanted.  Some coming back three or four times. It was great fun and hard work, and above all it was fantastic to meet so many enthusiastic kayakers.

We talked about many aspects of the boats, including the range of models and the sizes available*. This is a real strong point and can’t be underestimated how important this is. A sea kayak cockpit is somewhere we spend a lot of time for pleasure, which is why it is important not to compromise on this.

The folks at Paddle 2011 were lucky to get the chance to sit in the boats. Not all boats were so accessible! They easily adjusted the footpegs, felt the security of the seat and the solidity of the backrest. They loved the finish of the cockpit rim, and how accessible that ‘make-up’ or foredeck hatch is.

The proof of the pudding is in the tasting, and the demo days lined up over the next month are filling up fast. Details on http://www.kayakbute.co.uk

* The Xcape comes in three sizes: small, standard and X (extra!). The Xplore in three sizes and for 2012 it will also be available in medium which completes the size range on our proven expedition kayak. The Xcite in small and standard.

Inuit Inspired: a tale of customising a kayak

A week or three ago I rounded the south end of the Isle of Bute in Stardust. That is a kayak not the immediate aftermath of intergalactic meltdown. A thing of beauty Stardust, my carbon Tiderace Xcite. She’s customised by three years of rough and tumble and a working life in Scottish waters. Stardust was about to meet a customised kayak of an altogether different dimension.

I explain. Off Garoch Head lighthouse I noticed a brightly coloured shape near the island of Little Cumbrae. At first glimpse I thought perhaps it was a sailing dinghy. But the scale and location were all wrong. Curiosity transferred to paddle and a course set for further investigation. The source of my interest proved to be this:

Peter with the sail up on his Xplore_x

Let me introduce Rorqual, a Tiderace Xplore_X. Possibly the most heavily customized boat I have ever encountered. Customised by design and intent rather than use as in Stardust’s case. Rorqual’s keeper is one Peter Baker. I have had the privilege of paddling with Pete on a few occasions. The more I see man and the boat the more fascinated and admiring of both I become.

To understand the customisation of his boat you need to know about Peter. A life long mountaineer who a few years ago took a high velocity route down one. A lifetime of climbing over and a lifetime of sea kayaking begun. Peter is very considerably challenged by aspects of the standing up and walking about lark. But not by meeting such challenges. He has taken the high tech design platform, the Xplore_X and made it better. For him and his individual needs.

He has customised it with many additions. Straps for carrying and dragging. Keel strip for same. Tapes to aid rescue if necessary, lashings and stowage for walking poles. And a brilliantly designed and executed electric pump. And the sail.

All this to achieve the best possible independent launching, landing and handling. For him.

Kayaking coach speak refers to “points of connectivity” between body, boat and blade. Peter and Rorqual have more than most. Unique.

The Inuit built boats to the paddler’s dimensions. Peter did the next best thing. Connectivity the heart of the matter. Sometimes paddlers talk of boats as though they have a life of their own. They don’t. They come to life with us. And we with them.

So if you ever bump into them as you journey I invite you to ponder man and boat. Thanks for the reminder about connectivity Pete. What other unique solutions have paddlers customised into boats and onto decks over the years?