ThePaddlerUK 46
By Paul Bull –UKCC Level 3 Coach at Paul
Foundation White Water Kayak Skills
As we venture from the relative calmness of flat water paddling and take
our first steps into the world of white water kayaking we need to develop
a range of key skills enabling us to progress safely down a river. One of the
key skills to learn is how to break into and out of flows, also called eddy
turns.The effective mastering of this skill can ensure that we can start to
break down rapids, stop and play on features or just catch our breath!
The technique that I find works particularly well as we start out in the more dynamic white water environment,
but is equally relevant and effective as we progress up the river grades, utilises the principles of drive and an active
blade as we carry out our turns.The drive and active blade ensures that we cross the eddy line, the most unstable
part of the manoeuvre, as quickly as possible whilst maintaining stability.
Breaking in and
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