Paddling fundamentals

Again, not all of this stuff directly focuses on fishing in kayaks,but there is a ton of knowledge about hydrology here and I believe that it is important to understand how water works.

Exactly, understanding hydrology & mastering skills go hand in hand. Lots to learn (the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know...).

Exactly, understanding hydrology & mastering skills go hand in hand. Lots to learn (the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know...).

+1

When I got the 575 I had them ship one of their Edge wing blades and can't see myself going back to flat blade

Originally I was using a low angLe Swift just on recommendation from salesperson and then tried a Werner, both now permanently retired

My paddle skills are probably as shitty as they get but have got me by in some pretty rough situations including big breaking surf on beach landings and around Dux Reef

Am trying to picture what kind of situation I would find myself in where I would want to roll, most scenarios I've been in it wouldn't be practical and in some situations you actually need to keep some distance between you and your yak

Have always thought of rolling as a whitewater thing

I've only used my stealth paddle a couple of times. Have a hard time committing to it because I'm so used to what I have.

So, when things get squirelly, do you use a low brace for stability?

Glad to see the discussion about rolling.  The most important reason to have a consistent roll is:

Bored fishermen will trade for the entertainment of watching you flop your boat over in the cold salty, and roll back up. 

I've gotten crab, rockfish and even salmon off guys who were loaded with fish, and happy to see me roll my sea kayak.  There is motivation for you!  Go get your roll.

I've only used my stealth paddle a couple of times. Have a hard time committing to it because I'm so used to what I have.

So, when things get squirelly, do you use a low brace for stability?

I don't know my ass from my elbow about different strokes so must confess I don't even know what a low brace is Maybe I do some of this stuff and just don't know the name for it What I know about paddling couldn't fill a paragraph, I'm definitely prime candidate for paddling education just don't have time for it

The Stealth paddle I got took some getting used to but the difference in how much water it grabs is huge

My wrists were already pulling loose w the flat blades so I may have to start wrapping them w the wing blade

About rolling, it seems like more of a novelty than anything

Trying to imagine ocean situations where you might use it and those are situations where it's better to dive in and take a swim, keep a step ahead and have some control over the situation

Good to know how to keep from breaking your neck in big surf or keeping distance between you and your yak if it falls off the face of a big swell so it doesn't bean you on its way back up

In both cases youre going for a swim and covering like when you wipe out on a surfboard

nothing against learning to roll a sot but it really seems like a whitewater and closed deck thing

When I got the 575 I had them ship one of their Edge wing blades and can't see myself going back to flat blade

Im glad you are enjoying the wing paddle on the Stealth boat. I really don't like to comment on a boat that I don't have any time on, but they appear to have some ski characteristics and the wing/ski combo seems to be the optimal pairing.
I  have experimented with the wing paddle with the 4.4 and the Spirit PRS ski.


I really struggled with the wing and it sent me swimming a few times. It felt one dimensional.
I could understand its benefits with a rudder and driving forward in big open water, but when I tried anything else it felt like it was working against me and snapped me into awkward positions.
I can imagine that you are enjoying a wonderful glide with the right paddle and the right boat.

My wrists were already pulling loose w the flat blades so I may have to start wrapping them w the wing blade

Tote crafted a great piece of gear called "Ro Ro's" if I remember correctly. Totegear sounds right.
They will be a HUGE help with the added pressure on your wrist. They also allow you transfer more power and decrease fatigue. He may still have some.

About rolling, it seems like more of a novelty than anything

Trying to imagine ocean situations where you might use it and those are situations where it's better to dive in and take a swim, keep a step ahead and have some control over the situation

Good to know how to keep from breaking your neck in big surf or keeping distance between you and your yak if it falls off the face of a big swell so it doesn't bean you on its way back up

In both cases youre going for a swim and covering like when you wipe out on a surfboard

nothing against learning to roll a sot but it really seems like a whitewater and closed deck thing

 My paddling philosophies differ from yours BlueK. I believe that as long as Im in the saddle and paddle in hand, I have a chance to ride it out. Confidence in my skill set and tenacity go a long way, but its the leg straps that really bring it all together.

As far as rolling boats goes, I appreciate your thoughts BK.
But if its a WW thing and a SIK thing, why can't it be a SOT thing?
Whether the water is sweet or salty, it all turns white when it gets big and twists over on itself.
I try to have a multidimensional view of paddling since I enjoy multiple disciplines, but paddling skills can translate into any water and any boat with some focus and time.


Ive had some minor revelations as to why a SOT has been more challenging to roll than other boats.

Hip-kit, or the lack of one. Big. A lot of my energy goes into keeping my body on the boat.
And, the surface seems so much further away than when I was in my WW boat or the thinner/shorter Wave Ski plastics. Im reaching so far out and up and I don't feel like I can really start to snap my body until the paddle is already deep into the sweep.


 
Anyway, I have enjoyed the challenge and I have seen some improvement.
I have also enjoyed folks discussing boats and paddling with the NCKA.
Thanks to those who are contributing.

" My paddling philosophies differ from yours BlueK. I believe that as long as Im in the saddle and paddle in hand, I have a chance to ride it out. Confidence in my skill set and tenacity go a long way, but its the leg straps that really bring it all together. "

I have the same philosophy, and I know it comes from my ww/surf kayak background. Winter project might be to try and fit some straps on the stealth (that can be removed). At just over 2' wide and a nice round hull with no edges rolling should be doable.

Your exp with the wing was similar to mine. Great light powerful paddle but I struggled in sloppy conditions, and fathered draw strokes are impossible.

bk- low brace is using the non power face just behind your hip to brace with a low shaft angle, would also be turned into a rudder when surf landing.

The only stroke I know is the grunt stroke so you guys are miles ahead of me as far as paddling goes

Ive been through a few rock garden situations and it wasn't the most pleasant experience, you won't catch me dead doing whitewater, total respect for anyone who can But for sure the more skills the better, I definitely could use a few more

But again when I think about any situations I've been in its hard to imagine rolling being useful, I could be wrong about that

If any sot would be good for rolling I would think the Stealth would

The only stroke I know is the grunt stroke so you guys are miles ahead of me as far as paddling goes

Ive been through a few rock garden situations and it wasn't the most pleasant experience, you won't catch me dead doing whitewater, total respect for anyone who can But for sure the more skills the better, I definitely could use a few more

But again when I think about any situations I've been in its hard to imagine rolling being useful, I could be wrong about that

If any sot would be good for rolling I would think the Stealth would

Rockgardens are fun....... In the right boat. 

 Pulled out my "RoRows" BlueK. If you think that these might help check with Tote.

I had kind of a breakthrough day. Made some changes in my set up phase and really focused on keeping my head down. I also decided to keep my body across the back longer.
Anyway, I was in the zone.


I was starting to fatigue but wanted to change my paddle grip to the midshaft/neutral position since things were going so well.
I set up and let it rip.  I made a mental error and lifted my head and back down I went.  I had enough left to try again before I kicked loose of the straps.


When I started to explode into the hip snap I felt the driving knee rise and my other leg come free of the strap.

Stayed focused



and VICTORY!


then face plant.


Im still calling it a win.
 

Way cool.

I try not to reach, always try to keep a solid box and turn the torso for rudders braces and strokes. I was just going over this with a buddy I've been teaching ww, but I think it translates to all paddling. The head and torso steers the boat.

Wow, you're really honing the craft. That's HNL type of stuff (Hull Nutha Level).