So now we have discussed why upstream edge is so good (and to be honest looks epic) and downstream edge causes so much instability, here is the complete U turn.
Downstream edge on the back of stoppers and be incredibly useful.
This downstream edge if controlled can effectively stop the boat from moving downstream and shoot the boat across river.
With this is mind there is no right of wrong way to cross on the back of a stopper.
Just a faster or a slower, or, a controlled or out of control cross.
Downstream edge on the back of stoppers and be incredibly useful.
This downstream edge if controlled can effectively stop the boat from moving downstream and shoot the boat across river.
With this is mind there is no right of wrong way to cross on the back of a stopper.
Just a faster or a slower, or, a controlled or out of control cross.
Look at the recent French K1M senior selection. The stopper cross from the down 12 to the up 13. Both upstream and downstream edges were used.
As I said before downstream edge on the back of stoppers and be incredibly useful.
Have a look at these clips.
We know that we can lean downstream in an eddy and if controlled, the water pressure on the downstream edge can either push you across/upstream, or grip and hold you from falling away downstream. (refer back to the ups articles to better understand how you can lean downstream as you enter an eddy, the back of the stopper is effectively an eddy)
However we know if we are not careful when we lean downstream in an eddy it can cause the downstream edge to catch and flip us over or provide instability.
Will in this video recovers the edge and maintains height.
We must be gripped in and ready for this, if we are, we can use this grip we can use the water to effectively kick us across the river. The trick though is not to get stuck in the pit of the stopper or lose an edge. (Note its the action of the edge pushing with the bow rudder gripping rather than a drive action with the paddle)
There are a few ways of using downstream edge.
- Jumping and sweep/driving on the downstream side.
- Jumping and bow ruddering on the upstream side.
- Simply landing in the pit with movement across the feature.
- Flicking off the feature from straight with the upstream blade.
- Running the feature from straight, taking a hit to slow you down then sweeping on the downstream blade.
One of the problems is, often there is a never a “classic example” all stoppers are different and often the named ways often can blur between each other.
Here though is a video to show as many different examples as possible from various angles of the above five ways.
Additional
Spins off stoppers using downstream edge.
This is another cool little move involving stoppers and downstream edge.
The point is to spin off the stopper and gain movement across the river.
Key points
- Rotation of body and the head as you reverse off the stopper.
- Blade firmly in the water to reverse or bow rudder off
- Leaning downstream until the bows have spun over 90 degrees, then effectively switch edges (because you are now pointing the opposite direction) back to leaning downstream.
- If you switch edges too early it often leads to the bow burying.
- Avoid Leaning back, think rather about rotating around your hips and pulling the nose up with your legs, and squeezing with your core like a sit up.
In the next article on edges and stoppers we will discuss Fakies and Fakie Sweeps over stoppers,t but before that there maybe a new series started.
Any suggestions for topics to write about would be welcome.
Hope you enjoy.