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PADDLING
Paddling in adventure racing usually involves canoeing or kayaking, but can also include white water rafting, row boating, or any type of paddling using boats. Paddling sections may be on either lakes or rivers and can often include portages over land.
Paddling is probably the most neglected skill in adventure racing. If you can develop your technique you can make some big gains in a race. The idea is to perfect the motion for greater efficiency. When you save work or energy, it will pay off in the end.
The key skills with paddling that a racer should learn are first and foremost proper paddling technique. In addition being able to navigate and being proficient in water rescue and safety are very important as well.
Navigation: Water currents, wind speed and direction, and even the tide are very important to consider when preparing for a paddle section. Being able to navigate by a fixed-point sight (such as a hill on the far shore) and compass bearing (useful at night) are key factors with water navigation. Water navigation is quite different from land navigation and definitely takes time and experience to become really good at it. Getting out and practicing is the best way to improve.
Safety Measures: Most one day adventure races have short paddling sections designed to accommodate beginner paddlers. Basic water safety experience is recommended to get through a race. When paddling in longer events, extreme conditions are common and often a high skill level is required to negotiate the water safely. Long, exposed paddles with sections of white water, portages, strong winds, high chop and night conditions are not uncommon. They can provide serious danger and should not be taken lightly. Understanding how to deal with these adversities is of the utmost importance.
Paddles – Kayak vs. Canoe: Most racers use kayak paddles even when paddling a canoe. A canoe paddle requires a greater rotation and a longer power stroke, and has a slower cadence since a single bladed paddle is used. A double bladed kayak paddle allows for an increased cadence that can deliver more power since the returning blade is already most of the way back towards the catch when the other blade is exiting. However, some still prefer a single bladed canoe paddle and they make it work very well. Once again, it becomes a personal preference.
For information on quality, lightweight paddles visit www.lendal.com
For information on instruction, trips and clinics visit www.Hoop-Outdoors.com
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