SEAL LAUNCHES, DROPS and BOOFS - 2011/01/31 11:34OK all you experienced paddlers, I’m going to try and open up a debate on SEAL LAUNCHES, DROPS and BOOFS.
Can I have your views on different situations, like the Nith seal launch spot and maybe the Etive and get a thorough understanding of boat / paddler dynamics and how to safely take a drop?
So, can we open this debate on the questions below and hopefully this will generate more….
If you’re dropping off the rock what is the correct body posture and paddle position? How should your posture change when you hit the water? Is there a height that you’d say paddle to your side as against above your head? If you’re going over a drop (and I’m not talking about setting world records here) what works for you? Should you put a paddle in for a boof stroke on every drop?
Willie
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George Mcmillan
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Posts: 136
Re:SEAL LAUNCHES, DROPS and BOOFS - 2011/02/01 18:54Willie, Interesting Post. I'll post a reply to the points you raise individually.
Q, If you’re dropping off a rock what is the correct body posture and paddle position?
A, Taking the Nith seal launch spot you mentioned earlier which is at differing heights due to water levels but lets say it's 8 feet high. You'll want to be coming off the seal launch spot in a neutral position in your boat with your paddle away from your face. This position will allow your body to absorb alot of the fall pressure as you crunch forward whilst being ready to take a stroke.
Q, How should your posture change when you hit the water?
A, Naturally your body will crunch forward when you hit the water. The key here is to allow that to happen whilst being in control and ready to take a forward stroke.
Q, Is there a height that you’d say paddle to your side as against above your head?
A, Lets take Right Angle on the Middle Etive. Once again water levels alter the height but lets for discussions sake say it's 25 feet. People have broken there back on Right Angle. I always tuck my paddle to the side on Right Angle but I have friends that Boof off the lip.Personally this is about comfort levels and experience IMO.
Q, If you’re going over a drop what works for you?
A, What works for me is I'll have a strong stroke on entry to drive me through the hole/wave at the bottom. This will automatically set me up for another strong stroke on the opposite side on landing to drive away from the base of the drop. Strictly no air bracing.
Q, Should you put a paddle in for a boof stroke on every drop?
A, Depends on the height of the drop. Personally above 10 feet can be sore so I'll not want to be landing flat from that height. Bear in mind a Boof stroke is to propell you forward away from the base of the drop. Boofing if done properly will cause you to land flat. Landing flat from height will be sore.
These are just some of my opinions that work for me but drops are not all the same and should be scouted for safety. g
I think we should have a kind of boofs and drops workshop. Possibly on the Etive?
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George Mcmillan
User
Posts: 136
Re:SEAL LAUNCHES, DROPS and BOOFS - 2011/02/01 18:54Willie, Interesting Post. I'll post a reply to the points you raise individually.
Q, If you’re dropping off a rock what is the correct body posture and paddle position?
A, Taking the Nith seal launch spot you mentioned earlier which is at differing heights due to water levels but lets say it's 8 feet high. You'll want to be coming off the seal launch spot in a neutral position in your boat with your paddle away from your face. This position will allow your body to absorb alot of the fall pressure as you crunch forward whilst being ready to take a stroke.
Q, How should your posture change when you hit the water?
A, Naturally your body will crunch forward when you hit the water. The key here is to allow that to happen whilst being in control and ready to take a forward stroke.
Q, Is there a height that you’d say paddle to your side as against above your head?
A, Lets take Right Angle on the Middle Etive. Once again water levels alter the height but lets for discussions sake say it's 25 feet. People have broken there back on Right Angle. I always tuck my paddle to the side on Right Angle but I have friends that Boof off the lip.Personally this is about comfort levels and experience IMO.
Q, If you’re going over a drop what works for you?
A, What works for me is I'll have a strong stroke on entry to drive me through the hole/wave at the bottom. This will automatically set me up for another strong stroke on the opposite side on landing to drive away from the base of the drop. Strictly no air bracing.
Q, Should you put a paddle in for a boof stroke on every drop?
A, Depends on the height of the drop. Personally above 10 feet can be sore so I'll not want to be landing flat from that height. Bear in mind a Boof stroke is to propell you forward away from the base of the drop. Boofing if done properly will cause you to land flat. Landing flat from height will be sore.
These are just some of my opinions that work for me but drops are not all the same and should be scouted for safety. g
I think we should have a kind of boofs and drops workshop. Possibly on the Etive?
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Willie
User
Posts: 100
Re:SEAL LAUNCHES, DROPS and BOOFS - 2011/02/01 20:29George,
Awesome response. I wanted to kinda liven up the forum a wee bit with useful information as it's been quiet for a while.
With regards the neutral position, i personally feel that the tendancy is always to lean back so i guess it's gotta be a bit of muscle memory to assume the natural paddle position - mind over matter and all that.
A workshop of some description would be excellent and i'd imagine there would be a few of us who are continually pushing the boundaries will be there - the Etive is definately a goal, even if we stick with a couple of the drops that have safe plunge pools for those little "mishaps" ***suggest we plan something and chose the venue depending on river height a couple of days before***
Maybe a bit more of an explanation on the boof - i've been trying them out recently and find that when you've got that purchase on the final stroke and you push your hips forward, i tend to find i'm clearing the hole or the pile just fine but tend to be leaning a bit further back when i'm ready for the next stroke and find myself in an unstable position...
I think in terms of workshops, we could also do some safety training / rescues as part of "a lads day out on the river" maybe set aside, say an hour when you're at a suitable spot. not looking for any awards or certificates here, just sharing knowledge and experience.
ANYBODY GOT ANYTHING ELSE?
Willie.
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