The Low Brace

THE LOW BRACE
by Brad Miller

Have you ever been paddling in conditions that made you feel uncomfortable, like you could capsize at any moment? If you are like most paddlers and push yourself to paddle more challenging conditions, eventually you will. It is one of the things that makes kayaking so fun. In this issue, I am going to explain the Low Brace, perhaps the best preventative measure that kayakers have against capsizing. When learned and perfected, it can give a paddler increased confidence in challenging conditions. But, keep in mind that it is no substitute for good judgement.

The Low Brace is a manuever that can be performed very quickly without any special set-up position. It can either be reactionary, such as when reacting to the push of the waves in surf conditions, or voluntary, such as when providing a little extra support while carving a turn. Whatever the reason for using it, the Low Brace is a must in every performance paddlers arsinal of paddling technigues.

The Low Brace consists of four parts that, when performed in sequence, keeps your kayak upright. First is the J-Lean (see Spring newsletter Tech Tip), which is the attempt to keep your head over the kayak as it rolls onto its edge. Allow your lower body to roll with the boat, but use your upper body separately to keep your head over the center. If the J-Lean does not work by itself and the kayak continues to roll past its edge, then go to the second part.

Next is paddle placement. In order to place the paddle most effectively in the water, you must change your posture slightly. While maintaining a secure grasp on the paddle, rotate your knuckles down and your elbows up. This will orient the backface of your paddle to the water and keep the bones in your arms aligned properly. Bad posture could result in shoulder and wrist injuries, the most common in our sport.

Part three is the hip snap. As the paddle enters the water, it will become a point of leverage for your hip snap to work from. It is performed by pulling the knee and thigh on one side of your body only against the deck of the kayak. Example, if you are bracing on your right side, you will lift your right knee. This maneuver is actually what brings the kayak back to sitting on its bottom rather than on its side.

But, the Low Brace is not complete yet. Finally, you must bring your center of gravity back over the kayak in order to keep it on its bottom. This is accomplished with what is called the Òhead dink.Ó Up until now, you have been trying to keep your head over the kayak, but with no success. Now you must switch gears and throw your head in the opposite direction towards the water. This part is counter intuitive, but necessary. You have probably heard the rule, ÒFor every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.Ó That is what the head dink does. By throwing it towards the water, it pulls your center of gravity back over the boat where it belongs.

There is the Low Brace in a nutshell. This technique requires a lot of practice, so get out there and work on it. If you need help, give us a call at 904-471-4144.

Brad Miller has been kayaking since 1991,
and has been teaching professionally since
1993. He acquired ACA (American Canoe Association)
instructor certifications for Whitewater Kayaking
in 1995 and Coastal Kayaking in 1998.

Brace

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291 Cubbedge Road
St. Augustine, FL 32080
904-471-4144