BRUCE KEMP
Random tandem
Tandem paddling from a FreeStyle perspective
It is axiomatic that the bow and stern work together as a team in tandem canoe paddling . Each paddler has a set of responsibilities and a repertoire of strokes , moves , techniques to execute those responsibilities . When combined , this makes for efficient and effective handling of the canoe . This is particularly true in whitewater paddling , but it is equally true with Interpretive FreeStyle .
I have two ‘ mantras ’, if you will , about tandem paddling – whether that be in a FreeStyle interpretive routine or in everyday paddling down some river somewhere . They are – ‘ the bow paddler is running the show ’ and ‘ the stern follows the bow ’. While here I am talking primarily about interpretive FreeStyle or paddling a ‘ routine ’ to music , it all applies just as much to tandem paddling in any situation .
FIRST LESSONS From the very first lessons that Anita and I took together , it was quickly and abundantly clear how very dominant the bow paddler ( Anita , in our case ) is in ‘ running the show ’, as I often put it . One of my very early , offhand / short-hand attempts to speak of the stern ’ s role in forward moves went something like , “ I just try to do whatever I think I need to do , or can do , to help the stern follow the arc that the bow ’ s describing .” It ’ s a bit simplistic of course , but there ’ s a lot of truth to it . As we progress in our ongoing learning , I try to get better at doing that in my technique and efficiency , and add what I can to that arcing with my initiations , placements , and conclusions ; also try to maybe add a bit of grace or style to it . But the basic point remains – the stern follows the bow .
DISADVANTAGE ‘ Follows ’ in just about every way . In some ways , for the person running the show , a bow paddler is working at some disadvantage relative to the stern paddler , at least in Interpretive FreeStyle . In a certain sense , Anita can ’ t see very much from where she sits – a couple of feet of the boat , and a lot of water , is about it . She ( usually ) can ’ t see me back there and , to a degree , doesn ’ t know what ’ s going on behind her .