The volume and quality of downwind video is growing exponentially, but it seems that the amount of detailed writing about the subject remains limited. Sitting down to write this blog, I can see why. It is really hard to articulate the blend of art and science that is downwind paddling. I’ve been blogging for the […]
Downwind
A Formula for Optimal Downwind: (Wind Speed / Wave Height) + Current
Over the last year, as I’ve spoke with other paddlers and started paying a lot of attention to my own paddles, I’ve started forming a theory for what makes some downwind days harder than others. Ultimately, I’ve found it comes down to a simple formula of: (Wind Speed / Wave Height) + Current. Let me […]
Context is Everything When Interpreting Downwind Paddling Instruction
Mixed Messages As happens from time to time in the surfski world, there are some mixed messages around what paddlers should be striving for to improve their downwind paddling. In this blog I attempt to explain why seemingly opposing views are both correct, and most importantly distill it all into useful guidance for the average […]
Chasing the Right Waves: For You
Understanding Wave Catch-ability It is that time of year again when I try to come up with an original approach to helping downwind paddlers of all levels, improve their game. I’m actually really excited about this blog, which came to me as I was brainstorming how to teach people to be the best tandem drivers […]
A Downwind Paddler’s View on the Nuance of Wind Waves
Wind Waves are Like Snow Flakes, Infinitely Unique and Complex Disclaimer: Whenever launching into a technical and somewhat subjective blog, background and context is always helpful. First off, I am not a scientist or physicist and don’t want to play one on the internet :-). My thoughts outlined below are based on personal experience and […]