It was an eager group of paddlers who were all in a UCSB parking lot beforeDerek and Wayne showed up. We launched into a lagoon close to the parking lot where the water was flat and parts of the lagoon were protected from the breeze. Before we launched, Derek had us all clear the front decks and stow our "inflatable dolls" (float bags) in the hatches. As he said, it was going to be a dry day, although some people may choose to or inadvertently capsize in which case there were plenty of people to do an assisted rescue. Derek also wanted everybody to use a feathered paddle. My paddle is stuck in it's unfeathered state and I had to borrow Derek's Toksook after dire warnings about what would happen if I broke it.

During the morning half of the class, Derek first had us all get a feel for the capsize position of our boats by having us lean as far as we could while we had a partner's bow for support nearby in case we were about to go over. After that, it was a series of drills in the low brace position to paddle backwards efficiently with support, stopping and paddling backwards, and sculling with an extended paddle. There was quite a bit of emphasis on what the legs were doing when we leaned. There was as much happening below the deck as was happening above the deck.

We also did an on-water foot-peg/boat repair technique, which was very interesting. While a partner was holding on to our boat, we all had to undo our spary skirt, slide out of our boats, place our paddle behind us for support, sit on the rear deck with the weight on the paddle and then stand up in our seats while getting support from our partner's shoulders. I'd never done something that fancy in a boat and I was nervous, but thanks to Tim's coaching I was able to stand up in my seat easily. Unfortunately, when it was my turn to support Tim's boat my hand slipped from the coaming of Tim's boat and Tim capsized just as he was about to stand. As Wayne pointed out, both my hands were on the far side of Tim's coaming and I could not prevent his boat from capsizing towards my boat. It is much better to have one hand each on each side of the coaming of the boat you are trying to support. It is trickier to support a partners boat when the two boats have their bow and stern lined up, but definitely doable.

After lunch, we came back on the water to do a series of drills with the high brace position both with the standard paddle position and the extended paddle. We learnt a number of enjoyable moves and which Derek obviously takes great pleasure in performing and teaching.

We also did another boat repair technique with partners. While our partner was supporting our boats while we were facing each other, we again had to put the paddle behind us, slide back on the rear deck while putting our weight on the paddle and this time we had to scoot over on the front deck of the partner's boat and straddle their boat and balance ourselves with the paddle in hand in the extended position. meanwhile, the partner would grab onto our boat and get it in a t-position and onto their coaming to do any needed repairs. Derek then had us stand up on our partner's front deck. I was partnered with Ted and just as I was about to stand on his front deck I heard a cracking sound and immediately came back down and scooted back onto my boat and slipped in while Ted was providing support. we could not see any visible damage on the Ted's deck - it was only the second time Ted had it on water, so hopefully the manufacturer (Necky?) would take back or repair it.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable class. The weather and location was perfect - almost idyllic except for an airshow of old WWII planes from the nearby airport. Derek shared his enthusiasm and expertise for kayaking very generously and his sense of humor along with his blistering banter with Wayne kept the class lively. many thanks to Wayne for hosting the class and offering it to CKF members.

Kiran.

Kiran, Thanks for the great report on our training with Derek H. and Wayne H. I was going to write a report myself but obviously it's not necessary. You did a very thorough job. It was nice of you not to mention my two capsizes, too. ;>). I certainly was pushing my limits.

Again, many thanks go Wayne H. for setting the class up. I believe everyone attending the class came away with greater confidence in their bracing and leaning skills, as well as, having a lot of fun.

I'll second that! It was very enlightening to hear a clear discussion of the nuances and intricacies of basic movements. Especially the interplay between foot action and paddle motion. And then turn it into practice on the spot! And THEN to get terrific personalized feed back from Derek and Wayne. The clinic is a fabulous confidence builder. It was time well spent and a truly inspirational day!

Now on to practice!