TBSK Training Day - Forward Stroke Refinement and Towing

Instructors: Jill Lingard, jill.lingard@gmail.com, 352-665-1776, Scott Jantz, scottjantz2@gmail.com, 386-853-5159, Tom Joseph, and Jill Mosteller.  Others added as needed to maintain a 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio.

Description:  How powerful is your forward stroke?  It’s what paddlers spend most of their time doing, but many of us give it little thought.  An effective forward stroke engages your entire body.  We’ll work on fine-tuning your form to maximize your efficiency and save your energy.  

One way to viscerally understand the power of your forward stroke is to tow another paddler.  We'll practice using various kinds of towing systems (contact tows, short tows, long tows) and then feel how good forward stroke form makes it all come together.  As time permits, we'll turn our forward stroke/towing clinic into a tour of the preserve.  

Location: Robinson Preserve, 1704 99th Street NW in Bradenton 

Schedule: Meet at the park’s paddling launch at 9 a.m., unload boats and gear, and be ready to start class by 9:30 a.m.  We'll finish up in plenty of time for the TBSK picnic at noon.

Additional information:

• This training is open to all levels of paddlers.  
• If you have short or long tow systems, bring them.  We can also loan ours out.
• As usual, participants must wear PFDs.  Spray skirts are a good idea too, though not mandatory.