Mastering the Side Slip Stroke – Your Key to Effortlessly Maneuvering
The Side Slip Stroke introduces an essential technique: the open face draw while moving forward. With this stroke, you can effortlessly draw the boat sideways while maintaining your forward momentum, allowing you to side-step obstacles, smoothly exit an eddy, or glide onto a wave without having to execute a full turn.
The Drill: Perform two side-slips in each direction.
Executing the Stroke: The Side Slip Stroke primarily relies on a nearly static stroke known as the open-faced Stern Draw. To execute it effectively:
- Begin with forward speed.
- Initiate the stroke by employing an open-faced stern draw and maintain a firm grip on the paddle in this position.
- The paddle naturally tries to veer away from the kayak’s edge in the direction it points. By keeping a tight hold on the paddle, you can pull the entire kayak sideways.
Believe it or not, the Side Slip Stroke also incorporates spin-momentum. Although the objective is to pull the boat sideways without executing a full turn, the boat must have a slight spin towards the paddle for the stroke to be effective.
Key Points:
Head: Focus your gaze on the direction you want to slip the boat towards—your target destination.
Boat: Keep the boat flat to facilitate smooth sliding.
Body: Rotate your body towards the side of the boat you intend to slip (or turn) towards.
Paddle: The stroke is primarily static, except when adjustments are required to keep the boat straight. To execute the stroke:
- Paddle forward to generate as much speed as possible, inducing a slight rotation in the desired slipping direction.
- Engage the open-faced stern draw in the water to prevent the boat from turning, without overpowering the spin-momentum. Maintain a tight grip on the paddle while dragging the boat sideways.
- If the boat spins towards the side your paddle is on, it means your paddle was too far forward. If the boat spins away from the side your paddle is on, you were either too far back or pulled too hard on the draw.
Drills:
Level 1: Perform two side-slips in each direction in flat water, focusing on mastering the stroke’s technique.
Level 2: Practice side-slipping around a friend. Start on their left, paddle hard towards them, and skillfully slip past their boat to the right side. Then, transition back to the left side after passing them.
Level 3: Maneuver around rocks in the river. While paddling downstream on the right side of a rock, execute a side slip to the left side without turning the boat. Practice slipping into narrow slots and positions without altering the boat’s orientation.
By diligently practicing these drills, you’ll become proficient in executing the Side Slip Stroke, enabling you to navigate challenging scenarios with ease. Enjoy the freedom and control this technique brings to your kayaking adventures!