chrislockyer

Lessons Learned- Blade Awareness

On March 28, 2022

This video series, titled ‘Lessons Learned’, will highlight things Christopher seas while he is on the water coaching and will give you some ideas to think about the next time you head out in your sea kayak. We hope that you will find them educational and that they help you get the most out of your days on the water.

Blade awareness will help take you’re paddling to the next level.

Understanding how your blade slices through the water will help give you more control in dynamic water. Have you ever found yourself “tripping” over your kayak paddle in challenging conditions? Well, taking some time to work on blade awareness will help you gain a better understanding and get the most out of your kayak paddle.

Key outcome:

work on blade awareness in flat water
Keep your wrist and forearm in line to minimize injury
Allow time to develop this technique
Get professional coaching to maximize your progression.

Lessons Learned

Lesson Learned- Hang onto your Kayak

By chrislockyer

On March 21, 2022

In Technical

This video series, titled ‘Lessons Learned’, will highlight things Christopher seas while he is on the water coaching and will give you some ideas to think about the next time you head out in your sea kayak. We hope that you will find them educational and that they help you get the most out of your days on the water.

‘Hang onto your Kayak’ is the first video in the Lessons Learned series. In this video, you will learn the importance of hanging onto your kayak with examples of what happens when you let go. One of the most important concepts after learning to wet exit your kayak is holding onto your kayak once you have a sense of humour failure and exit the kayak. It became obvious to me in 2018 that many people don’t put enough importance on this fundamental technique. Driving home the importance of this simple task needs to start at the foundation level and should carry on through the skills progression. When paddlers let go of their kayak in a dynamic environment this added a level of complexity that can be avoided. Whenever working in these environments we focus on simplifying the process and only take on more complexity if the environment demands it. During pool sessions and rescues, practice sessions in calm water reinforce the importance of staying in contact with the kayak at all times during any rescue or recovery of a swimmer. See you on the water!
Key takeaways from this video

When practicing rescues in all environments maintain contact with your kayak.
New paddler should be reminded of this important concept
You need the kayak to put the swimmer back into. In a dynamic environment, things can become complex rather quickly.

Visit www.committed2thecore.com for more tips and professional coaching opportunities. Christopher Lockyer is a proud member of the P&H pro paddler Team Based in Nova Scotia. Sea you on the water

Lessons Learned – Rapid Acceleration

By chrislockyer

On March 14, 2022

In Technical

This video series, titled ‘Lessons Learned’, will highlight things Christopher seas while he is on the water coaching and will give you some ideas to think about the next time you head out in your sea kayak. We hope that you will find them educational and that they help you get the most out of your days on the water.

During the season we can build our confidence but we tend to keep missing waves and not being able to get onto the features we are trying to. This is where rapid acceleration comes into play. Get out there are use these tips to increase your enjoyment on the water. Professional coaching will help with your forward paddle stroke and the rest will come with time and hard work.

4 Key things to keep in mind when training and working n rapid acceleration

Visualize where you need to take off from and how much distance you need to get your boat up to speed
Increase your cadence 1,2,3,4,5
Shorter up your paddle stroke
Physical fitness and endurance are key to be able to reproduce this for a day on the water.

Visit www.committed2thecore.com for more tips and professional coaching opportunities. Christopher Lockyer is a proud member of the P&H pro paddler Team Based in Nova Scotia. Sea you on the water

Lessons Learned – Trim and posture

By chrislockyer

On March 7, 2022

In Technical

This video series, titled ‘Lessons Learned’, will highlight things Christopher seas while he is on the water coaching and will give you some ideas to think about the next time you head out in your sea kayak. We hope that you will find them educational and that they help you get the most out of your days on the water.

Posture and Trim – Lessons Learned

When it comes to posture and trim we all need to work on flexibility and also be aware that we are always moving in our kayak. Regardless of the environment, you are working in try and key your torso moving at all time. It will give you an increase in your range of motion but more impotently will increase blood flow to your entire body. Regularly moving your joints can help reduce pain, keep your joints flexible, and improve strength and overall balance.

Keys to Posture
• Try and sit up tall when performing forward paddling
• When in bumpy water try and change your posture to a slight forward lean
• Work on bracing and recovery stokes in your forward posture
• When working on rolling practice your forward finishing roll
• Posture is key to overall body health. Back fatigue can be a result of weakness in your core

Here is a link to 8 stretched that will help you touch your toes. These tips will help with posture and help you put your socks on as well.

Sea you on the water ~Christopher Lockyer

Lessons Learned – Lean Forward

By chrislockyer

On February 28, 2022

In Technical

This video series, titled ‘Lessons Learned’, will highlight things Christopher seas while he is on the water coaching and will give you some ideas to think about the next time you head out in your sea kayak. We hope that you will find them educational and that they help you get the most out of your days on the water.

So often we sea students putting themself in awkward body positions while on the water. So many tend to forget to lean forward which can increase opportunities to hurt yourself and also move you farther away from being able to reach your grab loop to get out of your kayak. When in the pool or practicing in flat water reinforce the home base potions tuck forward as if you are going to attempt a roll if for no other reason but to protect yourself and be close to your grab loop.

Hope this helps. Sea you on the water.

Visit www.committed2thecore.com for more tips and professional coaching opportunities. Christopher Lockyer is a proud member of the P&H pro paddler Team Based in Nova Scotia. Sea you on the water

Committed 2 the Roll

By chrislockyer

On February 21, 2022

In Technical

Often when learning 2 roll or working 2 better our roll, we find ourselves in moments of challenge or defeat.

We have compiled a list of 5 tools and Tactics that are intended to be agnostic of the style of sea kayak roll that you are working on.

6 Simple Tools and Tactics 2 sea kayak rolling

1 Mental Setup
2 Physical Setup
3 Slow things down
4 Stretching/Strength/Separation
5 Project Post Recovery
6 Introduce variation

Click on the image to download the PDF.

P&H Hammer Vs “The Shubie”

By chrislockyer

On October 16, 2014

In Reviews

We just had Canadian Thanksgiving last weekend and what better way to burn off the turkey then to head out for a paddle. Not just any paddle but a paddle on “The Shubie” tidal bore.

There as no bore on this day but the tidal range was around 49 feet and it would be the first time I would use the hammer.

“The Shubie” tidal bore is a world class sea kayak play sport. It bore runs on a river called the Shubenacadie River located at the top of the Bay of Fundy. This video was shot on a tidal range of 49.3 feet. The river is a magical place and the hammer has to be in the top 3 boats I have used on the “The Shubie”.

Once the hammer was up to speed I was able to do cutbacks, bottom turns and surf waves for 2 to 3 minutes at a time. My fears were eased after the first small set on the river. The hammer picked up the waves quickly.

I was once told the hammer was to slow for “The Shubie” but after paddling it I would have to say it was one of my best days on the river. In this video there was no Bore wave to speak of but depending on the conditions there is a great front leading wave that forms a fun play wave and once it does up the river it leave us with plenty more things to play on. come to Nova Scotia.

You will be glad you did. There is a full writeup about “The Shubie” in ThePaddler online magazine

I hope you like the video

From Cold to Gold (en) Gate that is….

By chrislockyer

On February 5, 2014

In Trip Reports

Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium www.ggsks.com

When I left my home in Hilden it was -5 and we had just gotten a bunch of freezing rain. The heat on high I drive to the airport hoping the weather is warmer in San Francisco. I am also filled with excitement (which provides at least a bit more warmth) as I am heading to California to take part in the Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium January 31 – February 2.

The schedule was action packed; three full days of sea kayak skills session including a standard day paddle around the San Francisco Bay, a paddling trip to Alcatraz, and 2 rock garden sessions. Event Organizers Sean Morley and Matthew Palmariello have really done a great job to plan what will assuredly be a great event. This would be the third Golden Gate event I had been to and I was sure there was going to be plenty of excitement.

I was joined by several P&H Paddlers at the event. This event is the official kick off to the season followed by several events that we P&H paddlers travel to all over North America. We are truly privileged to be ambassadors for one of the leading sea kayak manufacturers.

Several of the team paddlers got out for a little Play the day before the event.

: David Launching

: Paul Kuthe working the surf in the Hammer

: Matt Nelson waiting for the right waves

: Jarrod punching the surf

Day 1 – Bay Journey

Sunshine and calm seas. What a great day on the water. We got to paddle over to Alcatraz with the flood which proved to be a very gentle paddle. Once around the island we worked out way over to Angel Island where we would have lunch. Student got to work on tidal paddling and work out the angle we would have to take in order for us to cross the tail end of the flood tide. Everyone did well and were happy to get out for a bite and some route planning. The day took us all around Angel island and through Raccoon strait where the Ebb tide had started which provided us with a little current and a eddy line to cross as well as some nice waves to play on. All and all a wonderful day on he water. A big thanks to Sean Morley and Ginny for your leadership and great chats along the way.

Day 2 – Rock Garden safety and rescue

Another California sunny day was in store. I was paired with Paul Kuthe, my friend from Eastern Horizons to run a rock garden safety and rescue session along with Jarrod Gunn McQuillan. We had a very enthusiastic group that enjoyed there day in and out of their boats. We agreed to two themes for the day:

Quick rescues instead of dry rescues
Big picture zooming into little picture to deal with situations.

We feel the students got a great deal out of the day. We worked around the Gate for most of the morning then went outside to enjoy some of the coastline and the swell that was rolling in. All and all it was a great day on the water.

Day 3 – Rock Gardening Advanced Play

We had every intention of launching from the beach at Rodeo beach but when we arrived the conditions had deteriorated from the time we had check in the morning till the time we were ready to paddle. The forecast was for he surf to build which might mean a very dangerous landing situation so we decided to launch from Horseshoe Cove and Paddle out through the Gate and play outside the gate. The flood was in full flow when we attempted to get around the corner and under the gate. With a stiff 20 knot wind from the South East it provided a good warm up for the group. Once outside the gate we had some fun on several areas to make the most of the day.

: Patrick nailing his timing!

: Paul Kuthe making it look Easy

: working with the Swell

: Playing along the shore

Weather/swell conditions aside, the Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium had a little bit of something for every kayaker and every ability; Tidal streams, waves and rocky coastline, Top notch coaches and wonderful scenery at every glance, The San Francisco’s famous Anchor Steam Beer did not disappoint either!!! I look forward to going back to this event next year and feel truly fortunate to have been a participant this year.

For more information on this year’s event and to stay current for next year’s event visit http://www.ggsks.com/ or follow them on Facebook. Search golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium

A huge Thanks you for goes out to P&H sea kayak for bringing boats down to the event and for your continued support for team paddlers.

Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Symposium 2013

By chrislockyer

On October 11, 2013

In Trip Reports

Photo Credit: Sue Hutchins

On September 20-23 paddlers converged upon the first annual Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Symposium hosted at the Ye Olde Argyler Lodge in Argyle, Nova Scotia. The event jumped in with both feet and welcomed over 120 paddlers to the picturesque Bay of Fundy coast.

The diverse locations found in Nova Scotia’s Yarmouth and Argyle counties were utilized to introduce paddlers from as far as Europe and the United States and from all across Canada to dynamic paddling environments created by the largest tides in the world.

Photo Credit: Nate Hanson

The event brought guest coaches offering a variety of skill development sessions including rock hopping, surfing, coastal journeys and introductions to paddling in lumpy waters, however, the highlight was certainly focused on the paddling environment provided by the tides in the area. Multiple sessions focused on paddling tide races and overfalls as well as finding fun and operating in the tidal currents that flow between the Tusket Islands and the archipelago within Lobster Bay. Team Paddles Paul Kuthe, Matt Nelson and Christopher Lockyer were at the event waving the Flag for P&H. Lots of people got a chnace to try the Hammer.

Photo Credit: Sue Hutchins

One of the highlights for attendees was the Saturday evening guest presentation from Justine Curgenven. She provided a riveting and engaging recount of her adventure around Tierra del Fuego. She finished her presentation with a brief video from only a few days earlier while she paddled amongst humpback whales in the Bay of Fundy with Christopher Lockyer, the Executive Director for the Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Symposium.

Photo Credit: Sue Hutchins

The event started early for some with sessions on the tidal races and overfalls within the Shubenacadie Tidal Bore. Guest coaches worked with keen and excited students on one of the most exhilarating 3 hours of paddling in the world, working on paddling in moving waters as well as surfing on big brown glassy waves and crossing strong eddy lines.

Photo Credit Clif Pratt

Coaches at Play

The coaches all had a go at the Walton Whopper as well Off 2 the Races Vol 1

The event was such a success and has received so much positive feedback that they have already set the dates for the 2014 event for September 12-15.

East Coast Kayaking

By chrislockyer

On June 12, 2013

In News, Trip Reports

The East coast is alive with paddlers. Christopher Lockyer www.committed2thecore.com

Well it has been a busy spring for all the P&H team members. I have been fortunate to paddle in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and the Bay of Fundy in the month of May.

South Island Sea Kayak Association http://www.siska.ca/

I had the pleasure to work with SISKA on a number of paddling sessions while I was in Victoria. It was great to have 30 plus enthusiastic paddlers out on the water during the sessions. I got to see some great paddling area, Baynes Channel, Trial Island and Race Rock area. Team Member Matt Nelson and I went out to Trial Island for a fun paddle.

Matt Nelson and I hit up Trial Island for a nice little paddle in Victoria area

Great bald eagle.

Trial Island Lighthouse

Pacific Paddle Symposium http://www.pacificpaddlingsymposium.ca/

Right after working with SISKA I was off to the Pacific Paddle Symposium. This is a new paddle symposium on Vancouver Island. It is the newest symposium for Paddle Canada. Janette and her crew sold this event out in a little over 12 days. The event took place at Pearson Collage. The area had so many options for an event like this. Race Rock one of the most exposed tide races on the Vancouver Island was going to be used by plenty of the session during the event. We had plenty of fun during the event. Friday was a coach update fun day, Saturday and Sunday were a mix of sessions on and off the water.

End of the day review

Matt Nelson taking it all in

Fun and games in boats

Instructor development day.

A talented coach and an up and comer for sure. I will be back on Vancouver Island in October and I can’t wait to see the pacific in Fall mode with a little more energy.

MEC Paddlefest Toronto and Halifax

MEC has been running Paddlefest for many years. It started in Toronto and has spread across the country. I was invited by Erik to take part in the Instructor development program that would run at Harbor Front on Friday. We had a great turnout of 20 or so Paddle Canada instructors. The aim was to share some new idea about SUP, Kayaking and Canoeing.

I was only able to attend day of of Paddlefest but it turned out to be a great day. Plenty of eager students and people walking around looking at gear and boats. The P&H crew was there Kelly Blades, David Johnson and Erik Ogaard. The event was very well organized. MEC Paddlefest will be in Halifax on June 16^th.

SUP portion of that instructor development day

CN Tower with David Johnson

Coastal Adventure Kayakers Meeting

After jumping on the plane at 8:00 pm in Toronto I got home repacked and headed down to Tangier Nova Scotia to take part in day two of the Coastal Adventures Kayakers meeting. After hearing the stories from Day one I was kind of glad to have missed the driving rains and winds they experienced. We spent the morning working on skills development and then heading out for a little rock hopping session in the afternoon. The swell was kicking up which provided a great deal of energy for us to play.

Watching the swell – photo by Ryan Brake

photo by Ryan Brake

Sea you out there

Christopher Lockyer – Committed 2 the core Sea Kayak coaching We need the sea because it teaches us.

Sea Kayaking Articles from P&H Staff, Team Paddlers, and Friends

Author: chrislockyer Page 1 of 2

Lessons Learned- Blade Awareness

Lesson Learned- Hang onto your Kayak

Lessons Learned – Rapid Acceleration

Lessons Learned – Trim and posture

Lessons Learned – Lean Forward

Committed 2 the Roll

P&H Hammer Vs “The Shubie”

From Cold to Gold (en) Gate that is….

Bay of Fundy Sea Kayak Symposium 2013

East Coast Kayaking