Windage: strategies for paddling in gusty conditions
Every one of us paddling out there, pounding our way across the water, has faced the dark unknown question of "should I be changing my stroke due to this damm wind"!
The answer above is based upon experience. It's not substantiated by data. My column is more about "provoking thought and dialogue" than anything else. Your question will do exactly that. I know there are paddlers out there with facts, figures, equipment & studies who can add to this discussion about how best to deal with our old friend "Mr. Wind". I'd like to see some letters in future issues of Hullspeed with your thoughts.
Your question is complex due your specific question about how to "alter" your stroke based on various wind conditions. The decision between "Short and Quick" vs. "Long and Strong" is something I believe every paddler wrestles with as we encounter our best friend, or, our archrival, The Wind.
Is The Wind Friend or Foe? Is it Light, Moderate, Strong, or simply a Monster? Is it a Headwind, a Tailwind or a Crosswind? Does it come from the Stern Quarter or Bow Quarter, Port or Starboard? Is it coming With the Swell, Against the Swell, or Across the Swell? Ol' Man Wind is a constant partner, always changing, always challenging, for better, or for worse! Do you pay attention to exactly what is happening with the wind each time you go out? Or do you only take notice when he's right in your face!
I can relate exactly to your frustration regarding going to a higher rate in a big wind. We bump-up the rate, only to have the paddle-blade above our heads, flying all over the darn place. This makes it hard to plant the blade cleanly. If I was a Physics-Major, I'd say a higher stroke-rate is probably best. I'd say that because The Headwind attacks the "glide-factor" of our boat. So, logically, if the glide-phase of the stroke has been stolen, you might as well try to get the most you can by putting more strokes in the water. Well…that's NOT EXACTLY what I do.
Personally, I find myself sticking to the highest stroke-rate I can manage given the specific wind and paddling duration. However, I focus on what I call "paddle pressure" not stroke-rate. In my mind, I try to concentrate on applying the maximum amount of power to the blade once it's in the water. That's my way of dealing with a tough wind. I don't necessarily "up" the stroke-rate unless forced into it. I can tell you however, that I have been taught the following mantras:
• "Present as LITTLE surface area to the Head & Cross Winds as possible."
• "Present as MUCH surface area to the Tail Winds as possible."
• "Minimize the amount of time your blade is in the air."
• "Maximize the amount of time your blade is in the water."
Do I practice all of these techniques and focus on them as I paddle? Ummm,…well,…kinda-sorta. Let's take them one-by-one:
1. Present as little surface area as possible to an "undesirable" wind condition. This is probably something that we do instinctively. That means you need to lower your body profile by leaning slightly forward. Perhaps drop your hands a tad. Remember, Kayaking is a sport of "checks and balances". We don't want to crouch too low so that our Torso Rotation is no longer working, nor do we want to lower our hands to a point where we are doing Sweep Strokes instead of Power Strokes. The windier it gets, the more one must focus on balance and "core-power". Focus on your power coming from the center of your body. Generate power from a spot somewhere below your belly button to improve stability in rough conditions. Be sure you have your sprayskirt secured to keep the Headwind from attacking the inside of an open cockpit.
2. Present as much surface area to the Tailwind as possible. This is simply the inverse of # 1. Sit up TALL in a tail wind; you're speed will increase simply by doing this. Think of your body as a sail trying to catch as much wind as possible. Continue to focus on the power coming from "your center" for exactly the same reasons as in item #1.
3. Minimize the amount of time your blade is in the air, AND Maximize the amount of time your blade is in the water, are a little bit strange for me, as I mention above. They make sense, but seem to really mess up pacing. I find that I really only "change gears" (increase or decrease stroke rate), when I am trying to catch wave-rides, not really due to the wind condition itself. In other words, if there are nice wind-waves to catch, I'll speed up my cadence in order to get on the ride, not just because it's windy.
NOTE: I would like to ask for further comment on this item # 3 from anyone out there. (Certainly those of you out there using Knot Meters have something to add to this discussion?) This is a topic and question that we all deal with routinely. I'd like to hear other opinions!
To me, paddling in the wind, a strong Head Wind say, is about Focus, Power, & Concentration. It's about controlling your blade when it's above your head as well as where it enters the water. It's about precision. It's about "Squeezing" every darn ounce of Drive from EVERY SINGLE STROKE. The reason being: in a head wind, you are penalized for inefficiency. It's one thing to have a poor, short stroke or be an arm-only paddler who uses no torso-rotation on a nice day. Hey, when it's flat, calm & beautiful, any paddling style will work. It's entirely another story to be that same paddler out there in a storm.
Peter and Clare, Thank you for your question. I hope my comments above help you deal with those nasty winds in Melbourne! Thank you for reading Hullspeed. We are tickled pink, that it's found its way to your side of The World! Please "Stay Tuned", as I hope the future brings continued discussion on this ever-present topic.
Cheers,
Brent Reitz
