Starting out on this race prep I wasn't that worried about my canoeing ability. I knew I'd be learning more about racing techniques and how to paddle consistently and efficiently with Sarah. However, somehow I thought I could actually paddle well enough to just 'pick this up'.
Turns out I couldn't have been more wrong.
I was originally very worried that physically this would be just impossible and that I'd spend the whole training time struggling to keep up.
Well, that was rubbish too.
Physically, I am mostly okay. That isn't to say it is not hard work, it really is. A couple of weeks ago I mostly wanted to be sick from the pain in my lower back (wasn't rotating properly). However, I don't mind and can push myself here - as Sarah can, so we really train well together in this aspect and will push one another.
My technique, well it is just rubbish. How I thought I could canoe is beyond me!
In no particular order to be fair, these are the elements I am rubbish at:
- To have the same paddling technique on both sides - I know, don't ask me why I can't be the same either way!
- Steering - oh my, all I do is brake the boat
- Power - I rock the boat back and forth so we are mostly plowing towards the bottom of the river. If not doing that, I rock sidewards!
- Paddling at the back, I can't paddle and steer efficiently so have to put less effect in to avoid turning the boat too much, hence slowing us down.
So, how do we break down these obstacles into bite-sized bits, into mini challenges that can be thought through, analysed and solved?
We are going to get a marathon canoe expert to have a look at our paddling but it behoves me in particular, to at least get the basics right before-hand.
But, what other recommendations do you all have?
For example, do we continue training to ensure that both are us can equally paddle in the bow and stern or should we specialise now?
And, should I dedicate some time to paddling solo to improve my overall technique and sterring ability?
Too much to type, these are ordinary problems...skype :)
ReplyDeleteI'll try to have a crack at a few of your problems, or at least give encouragement. Annie and I only started canoe paddling three years ago so feel your frustration.
ReplyDeleteSteering is about a balanced stroke with your partner. From our view point, only the best paddle teams seem to have this down 100%. I have zig zagged up Lake Lebarge and followed other canoes doing just the same. There are so many factors at work here to throw off your steering, like wave and wind action. The trick (so I'm told) is to balance the power between the crew, easier said then done when you want to apply as much power as you can. But, if you over power each other you are always fighting each other and this can lead to a repetitive shoulder or arm injury over this long distance. Last year our coach who won the mens C2 said he had to change his stroke power as he was hurting his team mate in the forward position who had to compensate. We still don't have this down to a fine science so don't beat yourselves up too much, do what you can and there is lots of time for you to get better. Do you know what "quarter strokes" and "draw strokes" do? These can be done in both positions but mainly by the person in back to help keep straight without much loss of power forward. Sometimes the back paddler can call "sides" which changes the forward paddler to the same side to help steer, but still driving forward, if a bad cross wind. Be careful of weight shifts here :)
This relates to your power worries and rocking the boat. If you are pushing too hard or reaching too far forward like olympic sprint paddlers, this will happen. Take some time and watch all the YouTube videos you can on the YRQ. Notice the better C2 paddlers don't seem to be moving their bodies that much, slight twist with each stroke, but they aren't lunging forward as a sprint paddler does. Sometimes the boat goes faster with less effort.
Almost everyone has a different stroke side to side, the better paddlers have got this down but they have years together as a team usually. Practice.
I would now choose who is in what position in the boat. You know now if there is an injury either can take over the steering to get you home. Now is the time I would specialize. In general, you want the most powerful paddler in the front where the effort isn't wasted steering. A weaker paddler can still steer as they have more leverage back there.
On a final note, we have seem some pretty bad paddle styles make it to Dawson in the time allowed, don't beat yourselves up. Those that make it just don't give up unless injured. You can still paddle sore all over (we all are), just get out a few minutes now and then and stretch, stay warm at nights, drink lots, eat proper nibbles every 15 to 20 minutes. Read your maps well and know where you are at all times. This is the real secret to finishing the race.
Baggsie the back - heh - Dan would love it if I did something to get me out of the back but I'm a control freak.
ReplyDeleteEsther's paddling is a lot better than she makes out - she's been paddling for several years and has had some good teachers. We know our technical strokes and will be doing some more white water training to get the stearing and accuracy better (and as an excuse for me to do water with lumps in it) I've probably been pushing a bit more than she was up for - we should probably have had more of a chat about our philosophy for training etc. After training for my swim last year I'll admit that when I start training I really go for it - I almost got turfed off the team for starting too slow last time and ended up swimming every day of in the gym.
Ryerson, we practiced some of your tips yesterday in the snow paddle and things seemed to be a bit smoother. We'll have to see how that translates when we get back up to speed!
ReplyDelete