One of the most difficult skills that sea kayakers, particularly relative beginners, struggle with, especially on a windy day, is to look over their shoulder to see what is happening with the rest of the group. In a following wind it is easy for the group to become split up very quickly with all the implications that has for the safety of the group.

There are two ways that support can be achieved whilst looking behind. The simplest is to trail the right blade in the water towards the stern of the kayak, leaving the blade relatively flat on the water increases the support. When the blade is in position it is a simple matter of looking over the right shoulder, ie. the same side that the blade is in the water. This is a stable position but there is a slight problem in that it can break the paddling cycle and slow the kayaker down.

The second option for looking behind creates less disruption to the paddling cycle. When the right blade is in the water and being pulled towards the stern look over the left, i.e. opposite shoulder. This is a smooth action and probably the more effective of the two strokes.

Although these are relatively simple skills it is often necessary to tell less experienced paddlers how to perform them. Most beginners have an idea on how to go forwards, backwards and turn without any real input from the coach, although clearly their knowledge will require some fine tuning but very few people have an inbuilt knowledge on how to look behind. Make sure that you let people know how.

Kevin Mansell

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