The Trim Test

We tend to think of the canoe level 4-coach award as the ability to lead on higher grades of rivers, but it also has the same leadership values, when leading on open water i.e. greater wind strengths. In the 5 star assessment conditions may be up to force 4/5. Consider this, what would be your options, if you could not travel downwind due to an estuary or a large dam overflow?

I 've looked at paddling on the upwind side as opposed to the downwind side as an open canoe solo paddler, this was done in a range of conditions. Sea kayakers use a leaning towards the wind as a safer option. If you consider the transferability of the findings to the current way of paddling, it would seem to open a new unexplored avenue of thought. If you are a solo paddler and have to cope with the changing environment of the open water stretch, it would be nice to have a few options and here is one that you may not have considered. Use the details and tests below to make up your own mind.

Trim Test

The following test can be carried out to get an overview of the differences between paddling on the up wind side and the downwind side. Using several different wind strengths about force 2 / 3 / 4 or more if you are 5 star level. Most of the test should be done by sitting and drifting. The paddlers position will be either bow side of the yolk or stem side of the yolk in order that the canoe keeps side on to the wind.

Test 1 The Drift Test

One-person sits on the upwind side and the other sits on the downwind side then let the wind take you.

Test 2 The Capsize Test

Lean the canoe over then try to do a support stroke. Again on either side.

Test 3 The Swamp Test

Lean the canoe over on either side and analyse the amount of water taken in.

Test 4 The Efficiency Test

Paddle across the wind now on either side. Sitting in front of the yolk and upwind, look at stroke rate. Then on the down wind side behind the
yolk and look at the stroke rate. What strokes were you doing?

Test 5 The Direction

Also play with adjusting your direction by sliding back and forward.

Have a few goes then begin to write your results down. Alternatively, take a group out and have a play listen to what they say, chat to other canoeist compare notes.

There will already be many other factors that will the paddling easier. If you took the basic foundation from the theory, then started to put them together a step by step list the end product will turn out to be to your advantage.

1 Leaning towards the wind. This gives you a more stable platform.

2 Sitting in front of the yolk the back will blow down wind and front point upwind.

3 The paddle stroke is vertical. This gives greater power and will give more resistance if needed.

4 Paddling on the upwind side. If a wave begins to break you can low support on it and simply bongo slide As the water pushes you downwind, its power will decrease then carry on.

5 It is difficult to take on water over the gunnels. This is because the water builds up on the bottom of the canoe because of its shape

Many people may be thinking why should I need to go out on open water in a force 4 /5. I'll just not go out! But the same was said about paddling some of the higher grades of river in the early days ofkayaking and look at the grades of river being done today. They may also want to look at the 5star open canoe syllabus and read that. Many things can be drawn from a different approach to things. Some may choose to stick with what they know, others may be more receptive to new ideas. Either way we need to be given the opportunity to let the sport progress. So as a coach I feel that I can help this by sharing results. To them that would rather be paddling than sitting at home here is another chance to go out.

	The Trim Test We tend to think of the canoe level 4-coach award as the ability to lead on higher grades of rivers, but it also has the same leadership values, when leading on open water i.e. greater wind strengths. In the 5 star assessment conditions may be up to force 4/5. Consider this, what would be your options, if you could not travel downwind due to an estuary or a large dam overflow? I 've looked at paddling on the upwind side as opposed to the downwind side as an open canoe solo paddler, this was done in a range of conditions. Sea kayakers use a leaning towards the wind as a safer option. If you consider the transferability of the findings to the current way of paddling, it would seem to open a new unexplored avenue of thought. If you are a solo paddler and have to cope with the changing environment of the open water stretch, it would be nice to have a few options and here is one that you may not have considered. Use the details and tests below to make up your own mind. Trim Test The following test can be carried out to get an overview of the differences between paddling on the up wind side and the downwind side. Using several different wind strengths about force 2 / 3 / 4 or more if you are 5 star level. Most of the test should be done by sitting and drifting. The paddlers position will be either bow side of the yolk or stem side of the yolk in order that the canoe keeps side on to the wind. Test 1 The Drift Test One-person sits on the upwind side and the other sits on the downwind side then let the wind take you. Test 2 The Capsize Test Lean the canoe over then try to do a support stroke. Again on either side. Test 3 The Swamp Test Lean the canoe over on either side and analyse the amount of water taken in. Test 4 The Efficiency Test Paddle across the wind now on either side. Sitting in front of the yolk and upwind, look at stroke rate. Then on the down wind side behind the yolk and look at the stroke rate. What strokes were you doing? Test 5 The Direction Also play with adjusting your direction by sliding back and forward. Have a few goes then begin to write your results down. Alternatively, take a group out and have a play listen to what they say, chat to other canoeist compare notes. There will already be many other factors that will the paddling easier. If you took the basic foundation from the theory, then started to put them together a step by step list the end product will turn out to be to your advantage. 1 Leaning towards the wind. This gives you a more stable platform. 2 Sitting in front of the yolk the back will blow down wind and front point upwind. 3 The paddle stroke is vertical. This gives greater power and will give more resistance if needed. 4 Paddling on the upwind side. If a wave begins to break you can low support on it and simply bongo slide As the water pushes you downwind, its power will decrease then carry on. 5 It is difficult to take on water over the gunnels. This is because the water builds up on the bottom of the canoe because of its shape Many people may be thinking why should I need to go out on open water in a force 4 /5. I'll just not go out! But the same was said about paddling some of the higher grades of river in the early days ofkayaking and look at the grades of river being done today. They may also want to look at the 5star open canoe syllabus and read that. Many things can be drawn from a different approach to things. Some may choose to stick with what they know, others may be more receptive to new ideas. Either way we need to be given the opportunity to let the sport progress. So as a coach I feel that I can help this by sharing results. To them that would rather be paddling than sitting at home here is another chance to go out. © Jason Carroll Asp. Level 5 coach - Feb. 2004.