newbie here!! boat skills help!!

[newbie]

Hi everyone,

I am quite new to the sport, i am currently learning how to do a stern turn, bow turn and side dips but can't seem to get it right. Anyone willing to share any tecnics?..i heard from my seniors i have to kick on the footrests..wats the definition of kicking while doing boat skills??

really appreciate if someone can help..its really frustrating as i have been learning for quite some time..thx alot..looking forward to ans so i can improve..Thx

[Izzy]

Check this out http://www.slalomtechnique.co.uk/k1technique.php

[newbie]

but the website states that i should keep the boat flat at all times, but my seniors says i have to tilt to do a stern turn..how about kicking?do i lean back to get the bow up or lean forward?i still don get that part...

gald if anyone could help..thx

[Aarne]

You should keep the boat level all the time (later on there´s a _but_). Train all the turning techniques you want but learn how to keep the boat flat while you´re at it (tape a mug on your deck and try to keep water in it whilst paddling). This is the most economical way to paddle. As a warmup you can spin the boat around ´n around on both directions and try to do 360´s with as little strokes as you can.

Also learn how to use your feet when paddling. When you´re pulling with your left hand try to push the left footpedal through tho boats front. when turning right, do what you do with the paddle and inside the boat try to turn your legs to the direction you wish to go (that includes pushing the left pedal when turning right). Also remember that the most of your paddling power comes from turning your torso, not from pulling or pushing with your hands.

Now comes the BUT. You should keep the boat level all the time BUT if you want to dip the stern you need to tilt the boat in the beginning of the turn. Also it helps to put your weight on the back of the boat in the beginning. Just as the stern goes under water, get the boat flat again to keep the stern on the right depht. When turnin left you need to tilt the right side down and vice versa. You need a little speed to do this and when doing it you need to keep pressure on the paddle or you might flip over.

If you want to get the stern quickly on the surface in the middle of the turn, just tilt the other way.

When you master this you can do it with less tilting and without speed but I think that you can learn the basics faster this way. Also when you´re getting better at it you pull your legs to your chest instead of leaning backwards.

I think the slalom technique library is a great archive for good paddling technique but some techniques you need to modify for polo (and I say this as a slalom paddler). Then again, that library is written by professionals which I´m not so I might be wrong :D

[Tom_B]

It also helps if you turn your head to look at your paddle as you put it in the water behind you. this helps get the boats tilt and gives you more power because you rotate your body more. I couldn't do one until someone told me to do this then iI got it nearly first time

[newbiw]

wow!! Great help guys..those tips really help..thx alot..