ArtofDownwind

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 […]

PPP Episode 20: A Journey to the Top with Austin Kieffer

In this podcast I get a chance to chat for the first time with the great American surfski champion Austin Kieffer. In just 5 short years, Austin has gone from paddling a surfski for the first time, to battling it out for podium finishes with the greatest paddlers in the world. He is now a force […]

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The challenge of mastering downwind paddling is endless. I know there can be confusing messages around it. In this blog I’ve tried to add some clarity based on my own experience. Let me know what you think. #downwind #ContextIsEverything #AlwaysLearning #SlowDown #ExpirementOften
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First time out on my road bike this year. Hard to get any better than fresh swept Leelanau county roads on a warm and windless spring evening. Hard to believe M22 Challenge is just over six weeks away. #LeelanauRoadbiking #SuttonsBayBikes #M22ChallengeTraining
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Surfski paddling requires good core strength. This is a good thing, but does mean that beginners can struggle to get comfortable in their boats. The Epic Back Pad is a great way to add additional support and improve your posture, which will ultimately lead to more enjoyable paddling! Available on-line now at TC SURFSKI. #CoreStrength #EpicBackPad #BetterPosture #BetterComfort
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We still have a few spots left in the 2019 Immersion with Oscar Chalupsky. There is a good chance this will be the last year Oscar is able to join us in person, as his focus shifts to his new on-line coaching platform www.coachchalupsky.com Don't miss this opportunity to spend a weekend learning from the legend! #2019Immersion #OscarChalupsky #LearnFromALegend #NorthernMichiganSummer
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I finally published a blog post I've been thinking about for several years. I've shared some insights and transparency around what it's like to run a small surfski business. I hope that it articulates why we all so greatly appreciate those customers who support our businesses and make them viable. If you agree, please share. #ShopLocal #TheLongGame #RelationshipsMatter #ValueIsMoreThanPrice
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No matter how grey the day, everything changes the minute you point the nose downwind!
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Great Saturday morning getting a new Surfski paddler and triathlete up and running in an Epic v8 and a long time customer upgraded to a v8 Pro. The gale winds and 7 foot waves just outside the harbor were way too much for beginners so we kept it safe on the river. #kayaktriathlon #gettingstartedright #Leland #CarpRiver #epicv8 #epicv8pro
Photos from TC SURFSKI's post
60 degrees, sunshine, and calm water inspired me to try out the new Mocke Equinox 2mm Paddling Top. I used an XL and it fit like a glove. Great length through the torso and arms and excellent articulation in the arms and shoulder.s This top has been designed from the ground up with the performance paddler in mind. This top will be perfect for the 50 degree water/air range. A perfect piece to add to your spring kit. We have all sizes in stock, but limited quantities. #PerformanceInspired #MockeTough #Equinox #FreeShipping #TCSURFSKI
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I just released a fun and insightful podcast with the incredibly talented Jasper Mocke. Jasper shares his background, experiences, and tips for everything from race navigation tactics, finding your flow in downwind racing, and the future of matching both boats and paddles to race day conditions #JasperMocke #EpicKayaks #MockeGear #Downwind #K2Marathon #FindYourFlow #CalmIntense
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The Epic delivery truck will be arriving tomorrow. Just in time for the official start of spring. Below is a snapshot of the boats we'll have in stock. Time to start training for the kayak triathlon season! #M22Challenge #EpicV5 #EpicV8 #EpicV8Pro #RaceTC #SpringTraining #RiversAreOpen
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As part of our website redesign we've created a new page dedicated to Kayak Triathlons in Michigan. We've identified 12 in Northern Michigan between June 8th and Sept 15th. So awesome to see these races taking off and providing an alternative option to swimming. Check it out and let us know if we missed any. #KayakTriathlon #NorthernMichigan #M22Challenge #RaceTC #R3EastJordan #IndianRiver #LudingtonLighthouse #RockportRugged #MishExperience #TriUpNorth #CadillacAdventureTri #SunriseSide #GrandAdventureRace
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Quick reminder. Registration for the M22 Challenge opens tomorrow at 8:00 am. Unfortunately all our boats are already rented but we will have some great stock options getting delivered this spring. #M22Challenge #KayakTriathlon #GetAFastBoat
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I just published a super fun podcast episode with Olympic athlete, coach, and entrepreneur Michele Eray. It may take 12-24 hours before it hits iTunes, but you can play it off our website now. #PaddleCal #Nelo #MicheleEray #Surfski #K1 #K2 #K4 #OlympicCoaching
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For all you paddlers fortunate to be in, or heading toward warmer climates soon, we've got you covered with the Mocke Long Sleeve Cool Dry Paddling Shirt. All sizes currently in stock. #MockePaddling #StayCool #UVProtection #FreeShippingOver100
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loved the Erg episode Nick....and I joined the yahoo group. Looking forward to gleaning some info/tips on the erg training further.
For anyone on the search for a Mocke PFD, we just restocked with all sizes. We've also now have the Hydration Bladder back in stock and more Mocke gear on the way from SA. We shipped an order to New Caledonia yesterday, proving we can reach anywhere in the world :-) #MockePFD #Hydration #ShippingAllOverTheWorld
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I guess it is time to hang up the paddling gear for a while and switch over to cross country skiing. It is starting to get a bit icy and dicey. 😀
Photos from TC SURFSKI's post
The first podcast of 2019 is now up. A great discussion with Oscar Chalupsky discussing surfski racing in the early 80s before the days of single foot wells, adjustable leg length, self bailers, GPS, HR monitors, Go Pros and all the other creature comforts we have today. Always an educational and entertaining discussion with Oscar #PeakPaddlePerformance #PE2LE #SurfskiRacingEarlyDays #OceanCowboys
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Happy New Year from a snowy and cold Leland Michigan. Winter has officially arrived. Cold but beautiful out on the water today as the wind settled and the storm swell gently rolled in. #HappyNewYear
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We still have 4-5 more days to get orders shipped and under the tree in time for Christmas. If you're looking for ideas, check out this blog of the Top 15 Holiday Gifts for the Passionate Paddler #PaddlerGifts #StillTime #FreeShippingOver100 #Vaikobi #Mocke #Epic #Nelo #SupportSmallBusinesses
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Give the gift of learning. In case you missed it in our e-mail newsletter, the 2019 TC SURFSKI Immersion with Oscar Chalupsky is now open for registration. Click on the link below for initial details or message me on FB if interested. #NeverStopLearning #7thAnnual #LelandMI #OscarChalupsky #SurfskiImmersion
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I recently had the pleasure of recording a great podcast all about ERG training with the legendary Erik Borgnes. There are few with more hours logged and thought put into optimizing the ERG training experience. A must listen if you currently train on an ERG or are considering it. Enjoy! #SummerRacesAreWonInWinter #TrainSmart #KayakPro
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In the spirit of Less is More, I just posted a blog of a simple time trial including the Epic V5 Roto, V8 Ultra, and V10 GT. It provides great directional guidance for anyone trying to understand the speed differences across the range of surfski options. #KeepItSimple #StabilityBeforeAbility #EpicV5Roto #EpicV8Ultra #EpicV10GT
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As we head into the cold and dark season for much of North America, I know many of you are dusting off the Kayak ERG. I plan to record a podcast on ERG training with Erik Borgnes in the next week or two. Let me know if you have any specific questions or topic areas you'd like to have covered #ERGTrainingForSurfski #WhenRacesAreWon