The Big Kahuna
Published September 6, 2005 | 
Every single day
Cool buds and tasty waves
Wish that I was cool
I wish that I was surfin’ – RamonesSo this was the first weekend in some time that I didn’t get out in the kayak. The last time I was out was on Thursday in Mary’s Explorer as mine is getting a new keel strip put on. Thursday I took some time to go back to basics and review strokes modeling a bit. I hadn’t gone through the routine in quite some time. Forward Stroke, Stopping Stroke, Reverse Stroke, Draws; out of water recover, in water recovery, sculling draw, low brace, high brace, scull for support. . .etc., However since I will be sitting in on part of an ACA certification class later this month I thought I had better review the perfect “modeled” strokes. The problem with stroke reviews is that you are always over-thinking it. It’s just the nature of sitting in one spot and working though lifeless modeling skills. You’re always aware of every little flaw and subtle weakness. Hyperfocus is not a good learning state of mind. In real life kayak strokes are always blending one into the other to achieve a particular goal. There is no conscious thought or examination to get in the way of the “perfect” stroke. You’re body moves as the paddle slips through the water. Balance and pressure make decisions that your conscious mind is only slightly aware of. Even when teaching a class, strokes have life. Here you are working to transmit information to others who are watching. Modeled strokes come easily as you pay attention to what bits and pieces the student is seeing and those bits that are hiding from them. Then you go back and bring out the hidden bits. Put the spotlight on them and watch the student as they repeat your move with sudden awareness and overt pride. When practicing alone each stagnant model stroke seems grey and dead. Sure the boat moves as directed. But why? It has nowhere it needs to go and it feels languid and stale. It’s not long before I give into my whims and am upside down and working through rolls again. Oh well, sometimes you’ve got to dance with the Devil! Good Luck to everyone going for their ACA certifications this month!
Over the weekend I was doing photography work in Wisconsin Dells at both Noah’s Ark Waterpark and Tommy Bartlett’s Ski, Sky, & Stage Show. What I want to know is how we can get a “kayak day” at Noah’s Ark in their Big Kahuna Wave Pool. The wave pool consistently tosses out regular 2 footers easing down to 1 foot near the white concrete beach. What a great practice pond this would make!
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