Intermediate Strokes – Sculling and Bow Rudders [Level 1 Class]

 To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account, and your account will need to be a member of the "Wet Exit Certified" group, if you intend to wear a spray skirt.  Your acceptance is conditional on approval by the Organizer, who may contact you with questions about your skills and equipment. Sprayskirt usage is discussed in the OOPS Activity Policy Sec. F.

Intermediate Strokes – Sculling and Bow Rudders

Sculling:
Sculling is all about blade control, and learning to scull will also help you improve any strokes - like sweeps, bow and stern rudders - in which a variable blade angle is useful.

Sculling is a very flexible stroke technique. It provides excellent stationary support, it can move the kayak sideways, and can also help you recover from a failed brace or roll. Unlike a draw stroke, sculling provides continuous support – a significant advantage, particularly in rough water. It is also the preferred technique for disengaging yourself from a multi-kayak raft-up.

We'll begin our sculling instruction standing in waist-deep water so that you can dial in an effective climbing angle for your blade and gain confidence in the support that it provides. Once you get the hang of it, we'll transition to our kayaks.

Bow Rudders:
The bow rudder is a very powerful turning stroke that's faster than a stern rudder and more precise than a sweep, and it's also a great stroke for maneuvering in confined spaces. When you want to crank the bow to port or starboard with speed and precision, the bow rudder is your best friend. 

Lake Vancouver has a lot of fixed buoys that the racing teams use when they practice, and we'll make good use of them, weaving in and out – preferably using bow rudders.

Sprayskirts aren’t required.   Either Euro or Stick paddles are fine.  There is a parking fee at  Vancouver Lake Regional Park.  Bathrooms available.  

Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Class
Put in: Vancouver Lake Regional Park Waterfront
Take out: Vancouver Lake Regional Park Waterfront
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment: 
Minimum Immersion protection: None
Primary Organizer: Moulton Avery
Assistant Organizer(s): Mel Wishan
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? No
First Aid /CPR Person: Mel Wishan
Maximum number of paddlers: 8
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 75F - 80F
Estimated Water Temperature: >75F
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3 hours
Tide times & heights: None
Current information: None
Hazards: 
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments: As this is an intermediate class, participants should be familiar with maneuvering their kayaks and comfortable with forward and sweep strokes. 
Location (Optional): 45.6796° N, 122.7427° W