okay so i'm brand new to freestyle kayaking and playboating. i've only run 2 rivers ever, just recently in the last two weeks and i just learned how to roll a week ago in my new boat. i got a dagger agent 6.2 if it matters...
anyways, i'm attempting to learn some basic playboating because it looks really fun and exciting, not to mention a sense of accomplishment once you learn a move. i bought EJ's playboating basics and watched the beginning flatwater stuff. i also go to a local paddler's club meeting every week that meets at an indoor pool one night a week. i asked playboaters there for some advice too. heres what i've come up with so far that i need to work on as basics:
holding the edge of the boat sideways while being able to easily paddle/balance on the left and right sides
practice lean cleaning (got this from video, not sure if it's common terminology or not)
also, keep attempting the plowing ender (because i can pretty much get vertical on the bow with it, i just can't stay there and balance)

my question is, what other fundamental things should i be working on? i'm eventually trying to move the edge control over into a double pump excercise, then eventually stalls and squirts, but for now it's really hard for me to balance on edge. any suggestions as to how to practice balancing on edge? also, anyone heard of lean cleans and how to best start doing them? any and all advice/suggestions/help is greatly appreciated!

ps i'm brand new to this forum so HI ALL!

Welcome to Playak!

To practice edge control, put the boat on edge and paddle forwards, keeping that edge without letting it drop or deviate. It seems you’ve been doing this already. Don’t forget to practise both edges. Also learn how to control the spin momentum of the boat. Learn to paddle in a circle using only strokes on the inside with your boat obviously on edge.

And probably even before you do any of this, learn how to paddle forwards and backwards properly. Learn the correct technique for the forward and reserve sweep too. Then you can learn the pivot turn, bow pivot, stern pirouettes (stern squirts), bow pirouettes etc. which all require edge control and proper strokes. Learn not only the correct technique but also practise the strokes and drills a lot so that you can develop your muscles and become a powerful paddler. You need to walk before you can run. A solid foundation will help you learn faster in the end and also make you a much better paddler. Get someone skilled to show you how. And watch out, I’ve seen people who have been paddling for more than 10 years that still don’t know the correct techniques. Some people have ten years experience, other people have 1 years experience 10 times over, know what I mean?

Good luck, and never give up! Cheers, Adrian

Yay! Great stuff--sounds like a familiar conversation, Adrian Jay--what did you think of the EJ DVD? I've been thinking of buying it. Looking forward, myself, to practicing these things. Guess that's what pools are good for

Ej's is very helpful and informative, it really breaks the moves down to the basics. my problem seems to be in kayaking basics in general as Adrian mentioned about paddling technique and such. i def recomend ej's as it really demonstrates how to do the moves and i feel once i get better paddling/edge control as well as learning to lead with my head facing my target and getting my hip movements right, i'll be able to really get into the basics like stalling.
thanks for the advice adrian and now i have another question. in the meantime while waiting for next wed. night, is there a video i can watch on proper paddling technique with paddling backwards/forwards and the sweep strokes and what not? i have plenty of access to flatwater around my house and it's not cold yet in SC so i wanna go out tomorrow afternoon and get some more practice in.
also, any other basic drills that i should be aware of? and if anyone knows of a video demonstrating slow motion lean cleaning that'd be helpful too. i searched but couldn't find them. thanks for all help/advice so far.

Yip, sounds similar doesn't it Noel..

I don't know of any stuff online but perhaps a Google search will reveal someone showing some forward strokes, sweep strokes, maybe even more advanced strokes like draw strokes etc. I will make a little video on that type of stuff in the next month I reckon. Been meaning to but been out of action because of injury.

This book is pretty handy:
www.amazon.com/Whitewater-Paddling-Conce...ackson/dp/0811729974

It would be worthwhile to check it out.. It has loads of drills. It is amazing what you can learn on flat water alone.

The Kayaker's Toolbox is a great video that goes over paddling techniques--in fact, it covers everything from types of boats to techniques. Some things are very basic, but the instruction on paddling technique was good, I found. www.paddlefilms.com/Toolbox.htm Should be some information on the site! Good luck and thanks for the thoughts on EJ's film. :lol:

Check out Expert Village on Youtube, and there are tons of instructional kayak vids for free viewing. www.youtube.com/user/expertvillage?ob=4 . Just search for "Advanced Kayaking" in the box labeled "Videos"

ah thanks guys i think i have a pretty good idea of where to start! i'm going camping all weekend at lake jocassee so i'll definately take my kayak and just practice on the flatwater all day saturday!

Hey SE-Boater, hope you're coming along now...?

Here's a little preview to a small series of videos I'm going to make to help paddlers with the basics. Keep checking back on Playak over the next few weeks, hopefully.. New videos are posted on the front page...

playak.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=ccd4211ce43f309bc0ea

Cheers,
Adrian

This is Volume I of Essential Skills:
playak.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=abc5ce4069304c5442c8

I'm not a professional paddler, I'm not a professional when it comes to making videos or even teaching people, but hopefully the knowledge that I've shared with you is enough to prompt you to get out there and begin working on your skills and techniques. If in doubt, seek professional guidance. Most importantly, just have fun!
(A MASSIVE thanks to Rowan Walpole for manning the video camera. Without you this video would not have been possible. THANKS!)

If you can get the basics right, it will make a huge difference to your paddling in general, no matter what type of paddling you're in to. Enjoy...

Concentrated and directed effort produces concentrated and direct results.

Cheers,
Adrian

hey thanks man that's some good stuff. Haven't been around to browse my forums in a while so thought i'd come back. i now have a solid roll, solid bracing on strong side, mediocre bracing on weak side, and a solid back deck roll! i'm so excited i go every wednesday to my local paddlers club at thepool. i'm currently working on double pump and clean cartwheeling. still can't quite get vertical though X)

One tip: When your in your boat. sit up a little taller, push your chest out, and lean forward slightly.. with this form you should feel your hip flexors tighten up and your lower back working to keep you tight in that position.. In this position you'll have 200% gains in your ability to control your edges. It also teaches you to properly keep your weight over your boat as you perform playboat moves.

Next tip: Practice, you'll get there. Keep watching how others do the moves you want to do and try and break them up so you can learn from it.. That's all I have for you as you have enough resources to keep you informed at the moment. Good luck as you progress!

woohoo! so this is a useless post but i'm just really excited lol. i've been working on my double pump really more than anything else and I can now get vertical on my bow! it just happened wednesday. i can also do a single cartwheel (no linking yet)! I also still can't balance vertically but i'm working on it all. thanks for all your help guys i feel like i just made my first landmark in freestyle lol. i think i'm gonna get someone to video me so i can work on my technique by critiquing myself as well.

southeast_boater wrote:

woohoo! so this is a useless post but i'm just really excited lol. i've been working on my double pump really more than anything else and I can now get vertical on my bow! it just happened wednesday. i can also do a single cartwheel (no linking yet)! I also still can't balance vertically but i'm working on it all. thanks for all your help guys i feel like i just made my first landmark in freestyle lol. i think i'm gonna get someone to video me so i can work on my technique by critiquing myself as well.

That's great news! Congrats. (and not a useless post.. ) You have made progress for sure!!!!! It won't be long until you're styling even more. I'll get into cartwheels later with those videos. Volume II is up if you haven't seen it. Stoked you're making progress mate. Have a great weekend.