Lockdown can be a challenge. This time, however, I am trying to view it as an opportunity to try new ventures. So this post is just a little update to let you know what new content is incoming!
Over on my Youtube Channel I am starting to put out a regular schedule of varied videos.
Every Wednesday there will be a Webisode – a longer video containing educational/interesting content. To get a flavour of these, check out the embedded video below.
Thursdays meanwhile are Throwback days. These videos will mostly be minimally-edited river reports. They’ll sometimes contain music, sometimes not! But my aim is to give a flavour of adventuring into some of this world’s most stunning natural spaces.
Though this is mainly a project to keep me sane in lockdown, my intention is definitely to continue long after. So please head over and subscribe to join me in the learning process!
And feel free to let me know in the comments if there’s anything in particular you want to see a video about.
Hi Matt
I just came across your videos on YouTube. Keep them coming!
I’m an English guy living in the south of France. My nearest big water would be the Verdon Gorge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzYVpNNgcJw&t=53s
This is my summer ambition!
Anyway, even though I work from home (I’m an editor), lockdown hasn’t been much fun. Over the last few months I’ve pretty much watched the whole of YouTube(!!) and rekindled my teenage love of paddling. Using a neighbour’s pool I’ve been able to get my roll back.
In one of your videos you mentioned back-deck rolls. Could you do a video on this?
I’ve had some success with back-deck rolling, but I always seem to resort to a doing a final pull stroke (like a screw roll) to get me out of the water. I don’t seem to have the necessary momentum as I bring the blade round from stern to bow.
Of course, the dry headed back-deck roll, which looks so cool, is the ultimate goal.
By the way, I notice that you are paddling a Prijon kayak in some of your videos. I too have a Prijon (Samurai). It’s pretty rough — I bought it on impulse when I saw it for sale by a local lake — but at least I’m back on the water. I’m currently saving up to buy a new boat in the spring.
Anyway, keep up the good work.
Cheers
Duncan
Hi Duncan,
Thanks so much for getting in touch, and for the kind words. It’s hugely appreciated! Awesome to hear you are getting back into the sport. I can certainly do a video on back-decks rolls – I’ll add it to the workflow! I have some good drills for practicing that final snap of the backdeck, so hopefully those can aid you a bit.
Ah man, the Samurai is an amazing boat! Not dissimilar to the Delirious (which I have) but marginally shorter and with a tad more rocker. Beautiful boat!
Thanks again.
Matt
Hi Matt
Thanks for getting back to me. I’ll look forward to seeing those drills. I think the problem with the back-deck roll is certainly down to the hip snap….or the absolute lack of one.
Do you think a sternstall is possible in the Samurai? I haven’t tried one in it yet?
Hi Duncan,
Timing of the hip-snap is a fairly common issue, so don’t worry! You’ll get there, I’m sure. As to sternstalling the Samurai, 100%! It will definitely work – I’d recommend investing time learning to move the boat (rotationally) with just the hips and knees, as this will lessen the strain on your arms/shoulders when attempting sternstalls.
Matt