July 26, 2003

From 1 to 3

In the BCU system, levels 1-3 concentrate on the basic strokes and are tested on flat water. One star assessments are currently not valid in North America. Two star is an improvement award that covers the basic flat water skills. The emphasis is on creating the desired movement of the kayak through developing an understanding of cause and effect rather than concentrating on rigidly defined strokes.

The three star is supposed to be the first 'technically challenging' award. Successful performance at this level indicates that candidates can consider themselves as intermediate kayakers rather than beginners.

After taking my three star class in 2000, I knew I had a lot to work on to feel ready to take the assessment. In the class, I couldn't perform a high brace reliably, and a high brace on the move was only a dream at that point. In addition, bow rudders were iffy and my overall confidence level was way below the expected standards.

I worked a lot the rest of that season and the next on improving those skills. My Gulfstream and I logged a lot of practice time. I was hoping I could squeeze in my assessment before going to Japan in 2001. I felt close. I had a good bow rudder. My high brace was there. My scull was there. But my high brace on the move was about 50/50. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't.

I ran out of time and didn't take the assessment before leaving for Japan.

While in Japan, I bought my Sirocco. This sea kayak and I connected from the beginning. For the first time I felt one with my kayak. It was an extension of me. Practicing in the surf took me to a new level of paddling. My high braces became automatic, and bracing on the move rock solid.

So on July 26 2003, now back in the states and again on flat water, I took my 3 star assessment. As I paddled away from the dock I felt my right foot peg click forward a click or two. I doubted I could fix it on the water. Could I take the assessment like this?

The first task was to turn a complete circle using only sweep strokes. I turned right and felt off balance from the beginning. It took several low braces to keep me upright. ARGH! I felt like a novice! I toed the back of my foot peg to pull it toward me. Once adjusted, I locked in to my kayak and handled the turns both aggressively and with confidence.

When it came time for bow rudders I felt awkward. Fortunately for me my kayak knew what to do and easily turned though 90 degrees and beyond. I almost wanted to ask for a 'do over' but Axel was satisfied so I let it go. The left and right bow rudders were actually pretty good but I knew what the kayak and I were capable of and I felt like I wasn't performing up to my capabilities.

Axel asked me if I knew how to do bow and paddle presentation Eskimo rescues. I said yes and Peter capsized. I wasn't lined up for a bow presentation so I went in with a paddle presentation. Axel commented how well I adapted to using the right rescue for the moment.

Our assisted rescues went great, but before we started the towing Axel called us over to critique some things he saw. He told me my scull for support was too deep and my head too high. Well, that was all I needed to demonstrate to him my 'lay on the water scull'. I think he was satisfied :)

Our final on water task was to tow each other back to the dock. On shore we finished the assessment with questions and answers about general kayaking subjects

I thought long and hard about this assessment. The assessment seemed too easy as compared to the stringent guidelines given in my 3 star class from what seemed so long ago. But that was three years in my paddling past. Were my skills that much better? I know they are, but I expected the assessment to challenge me, yet instead I finished up feeling under assessed. In the end it was working up to the assessment that really challenged me.

In an hour and a half we had finished our assessment on and off the water, so I took some time to explore Piscataway creek. I took the left branch but didn't make it too far before dead falls and shallow water stopped me from going any further. I paddled back to the dock after chatting with several fishermen about a beaver the size of a dog that wouldn't leave them alone.

So now I find myself asking: What can I do to continue to challenge myself? Four star training is somewhere in my future, but will likely have to wait till next season.

Woody