But still the warmth flows through me / And I sense you know me well
No luck, no golden chances / No mitigating circumstances now
It’s only common sense
There are no accidents around here
- peter gabriel

When I took my ACA coach training I learned the dusty book of sweeps. Basically a tale of two hands. Your guiding hand setting the blade in the water as far forward as possible then “sweeping” your paddle into a wide arching “C”. The other (or inner) hand which holds the other end of the paddle, starts at your shoulder, then slices diagonally across your abdomen as you sweep then coming to a stop at  your hip. Blah! You find yourself pantomiming a Japanese warrior committing seppuku, your kayak jetting forward and rarely turning an inch on early attempts. I know the method is bible based to some. I’m sorry, really.. but it’s an old, old method and as techniques go is akin to eating soup with a fork. You may be able to do it with practice.. buy why would you? Continue reading →