Paddle Smarter II: Becoming an Asset

The objective of this new Paddle Smarter program is to build on Part I by refining and expanding participants” skill set, especially on bouncier water. The goal is to give women the tools to become an asset (and maybe a leader) for any group with which they are paddling.
The first day will be back at Turner Creek near Chestertown, focusing on review and refinement of skills, with some play in the boat wakes. The second day will be at Kent Island with its more dynamic water. This venue will increase both risk and opportunities for growth.

One purpose will be to understand and become comfortable with moving water. So on Sunday, time will be spent just feeling how the boat moves and responds in more dynamic conditions and figuring out what changes are needed to adapt to these different paddling circumstances. We will take the strokes and maneuvers we already have learned and apply them “on the move”, then reflect on what did and didn’t work and make subsequent adaptations. How can we best make the boat do what we want it to do, i.e., boat control.

Secondly, we will work on adapting the rescues we’ve practiced to the new conditions created by wind, current and small waves. What do we need to be aware of in terms of getting to a capsized paddler, positioning them during the rescue, and safely and effectively emptying their boat and getting them back in it? In addition, we’ll experiment with doing self-rescues in bouncier water and challenging our balancing skills!

The third area of focus will be on towing. What are the various circumstances under which someone may need to be towed? What equipment is needed? What are the various types of tows that can be used for different circumstances? For practice, everyone will have an opportunity to be both the one doing the towing and the person being towed.

If you have questions or want to reserve a spot in this course, email Rick Wiebush at crosscurrentsseakayaking@gmail.com