INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF E-NEWS

The recovery phase is the name for the section of the paddle cycle between the exit and the next catch

• The torso keeps rotating the same direction as the just finished stroke - this brings the new 'drive side' shoulder to its maximum forward position
• the front hand (old top hand) stays high until the bottom hand is at the same height
• Good rotation will result in the blade being almost parallel with the boat just prior to its descent for the next catch.
• The paddle is then brought forward and down into the water in a spearing motion for the catch of the next stroke

Beginning of the recovery phase

End of the recovery phase

When paddling in side wind conditions, stability can be improved by lowering the height of the top hand HOWEVER the drive should still come entirely from trunk rotation and not from the arms.

Points to avoid (Bad technique)

Note the following points in the picture below:

• Paddler is leaning back - bad stress on lower back
• Hands are low - blade inefficient in the water
• Little or no rotation - stroke driven by arms

Website of the Week

Le Pigeonnier Canoe/Kayak Holidays
For those of you interested in a canoe/kayak European adventure, find out more about this unique holiday opportunity.

Le Pigeonnier is an 18th Century Pigeon Loft with character, history and charm, beautiful exposed beams and a view from the terrace which overlooks the rolling wooded hills and valley in Ardèche, France. For the canoe and Kayak enthusiasts the Ardèche Region is a corner of Paradise. With approximately 100 different rivers to explore having a good time is a given thing. The Ardèche River itself varies from level VI to I and therefore everyone can find a stretch suited to each individual capacity: from impressive waterfalls for the experts to ideal conditions in which children can be introduced to the sport! There are plenty of guides available and the equipment can be hired on the spot, just a couple of miles from the house. The Ardèche River is only a 15 min. walk away!
Contact: Gabrielle McCoy Ph: 0039/3358163495 or Email: lepigeonnier@fastwebnet.it

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i fit into my boat correctly?

Good boat control requires a good fit in the cockpit. "Good fit" can be confused with a "tight fit", however, they are not nessessarily the same.

To paddle correctly your body needs to twist and turn. At the same time having your body from your pelvis down firmly locked is not healthy - you need to be able to move.

So where do you put the supporting structures in your boat. Firstly lets look at injury prevention; you need solid foot support at the balls of your feet that corresponds with support from your seat on your buttocks (not on your spine).  Apart from having foot support, below the knees should be relatively loose.

Looking at sideways support; don't get sideways support and holding you down confused, side pads should only be tight enough to stop sideways slippage, they shouldn't be used to hold you down as well, your thigh support is ideal for that.

Overall the guidance on tightness is; "just tight enough to do the primary job it is there for".

Finally lets look at the "do nots".  Don't pad areas such as the lower torso which need to move and will just rub on padding.  Don't use the lower legs to hold your body in the boat, this puts too much strain on the knees.

If after paddling for a while you get tingling in your lower limbs or other cramped effects, look at altering your padding to allow for comfort.

From The AC Shop

Outdoor Australia Magazine

Outdoor Australia is the leading magazine for outdoor adventurers and covers bushwalking, rock climbing, canoeing, mountaineering, sea kayaking and lightweight camping. Outdoor is the official magazine of Australian Canoeing (AC)with regular paddling content and a dedicated section of the magazine for AC.

To purchase this item for only $40, go the AC Online Store at  http://vs7307.server-store.com/store/products/item21.inetstore

Canoeing Calendar

The Australian Canoeing Calendar contains information on Australian Canoeing sanctioned events or events sanctioned by the International Canoe Federation or our member bodies. Check out all the current events at the following link:

Ocean Racing Series

The Ocean Racing Series World Cup is fast approaching. The event will be held in Perth, WA on the 27th and 28th of November this year and will feature all ocean racing paddle craft. Please click HERE for all the details including course information, categories and entry details.

Classifieds

Your premier Australia wide, one stop, online canoeing & kayaking classifieds list.

The Australian Canoeing Classifieds has been developed by Australian canoeing and the State Canoeing Associations to provide an online classifieds listing service for the Australian paddling community. You can buy and sell new and used canoes and kayaks, paddles, spray skirts, helmets. Viewing the Classifieds listed in the boatyard is free of charge. Australian Canoeing members can place an ad free of charge by entering your secure user ID and password. You can even include a jpg photo to accompany your listing.

Click HERE to view the Classifieds Listing.

Jobs in the Canoeing Industry

If you would like to list a job advertisement in the next E-News edition, click HERE to download the advertising rates or email info@canoe.org.au.