PADDLE SKILLS
FISH MARKET
Kayak trolling, er, towing. PHOTO: JEFF HERMAN
TOW TRUCK
Everyone should know how to tow a dis- abled kayak safely and efficiently. It may mean the difference between self rescue and calling in the cavalry. The towline should always be attached to the kayaker who is actually paddling. The other end of the line should then be attached to the bow of the disabled kayak. This will allow the tow to be disengaged by the more able paddler. For comfortable and efficient tows, try to have at least one kayak-length of towline to pre- vent the boats from banging together. Add a length of shock cord in the towline to ab- sorb wave and water action. In sea kayaking circles, this setup is called a cow-tail towline. I add a carabineer to each end of my pad- dle leash and it doubles as a towline. PFDs such as the Extrasport Pro Creeker come with a quick release tow belt built in. Or, you can buy a tow belt that attaches around your waist and has the towline built into a self-contained fanny pack. Towing a disabled paddler in calm condi- tions is fairly simple, but it can still be tir- ing. Try to maintain an easy pace and avoid stopping; the most taxing part of towing is getting up to speed. In rough conditions, consider the safest course of action for all parties before engag- ing in a tow. In big waves or strong current, use a cow-tail to pull the kayak and/or kay- aker out of the danger zone. Once you’re in calm water, a full towline can be attached. An emergency towline is as essential as a PFD— don’t leave home without it. –JEFF HERMAN
STEER IN THE SURF
Anyone who paddles a kayak into the surf zone should know the stern rudder stroke. This technique is the most effective way to keep your kayak surfing straight on a wave. It is also great for aggressive turns when
2012 SKILLS GUIDE 48 …KAYAK ANGLER SUMMER/FALL 2012
Herman looking cool;
stern rudder in the surf. PHOTO: RICK SPILLMAN
paddling flat water. The stern rudder is actu- ally the first part of a reverse sweep. Perform a stern rudder by winding up your torso and placing the blade in the water just past your hip. Press outwards on the blade by untwist- ing your waist and pointing your shoulders towards the bow. You will feel the kayak turn and immediately slow. Perfect the stern rudder and you’re ready for some serious kayak surfing. –JEFF HERMAN
TURN ON A DIME
A bow rudder stroke is a steering stroke that allows you to maintain your forward mo- mentum without losing too much speed. It’s not meant for a quick 90-degree turn, but it is great for subtle course adjustments while you haul butt towards your sweet fishing spot. As you paddle forward, start a bow rud-
der by inserting the blade parallel to the kayak just at your foot. A normal forward stroke would have the blade perpendicular to the hull. If the blade is parallel it is “in neutral” and will not cause the boat to turn. Now, just twist your wrist a touch to move the blade out of parallel with the hull and you will feel the boat start to turn. Continue on with your forward stroke to maintain momentum and perform the bow rudder as needed while you paddle. Remember, it only takes a little turn of the wrist to get the ef- fect. If you go too far out of parallel, you’ll feel the hull lurch, and you might even get a bit tippy. This move takes practice, but it will soon become second nature. –JEFF HERMAN
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