{"id":16585,"date":"2018-06-07T08:00:06","date_gmt":"2018-06-07T15:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/community.nrs.com\/?p=16585"},"modified":"2018-08-06T09:50:36","modified_gmt":"2018-08-06T16:50:36","slug":"cadence-part-2-deconstruction-and-reassembly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2018\/06\/07\/cadence-part-2-deconstruction-and-reassembly\/","title":{"rendered":"Cadence | Part 2: Deconstruction and Reassembly"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the first part of the Cadence Series<\/a>, I discussed some of the basics needed to get on the water and progress past beginner and intermediate whitewater kayaking. Part 2 is focused on building the core skills needed to paddle advanced whitewater. Paddling progression consists of learning skills, and then reapplying those same skills in increasingly difficult sequences until they\u2019ve been mastered. Therefore, learning must start at identifying and practicing the fundamentals.<\/p>\n

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Building Blocks<\/strong>
\nA mechanic diagnoses a problem, finds a solution and determines the tools needed to perform the repair. An expert paddler deconstructs a rapid, finds a line to their point of choice, and then determines the timing and fundamentals needed to run it cleanly. This technique is best learned on familiar Class III and IV rapids, which are wide and deep enough to allow for new creative lines. Finding new boofs, eddy lines to squirt, and obscure eddies which are difficult to catch adds a new challenge.<\/p>\n

Your perspective of running rapids will quickly change. Knowing multiple lines for each rapid means that they can be combined at intersections. Running laps on a single section suddenly transform into an opportunity to run a diverse set of lines that otherwise would have required multiple rivers. The goal is to reach a point where a feature on a new river reminds you of a move you\u2019ve already dialed in on your home stretch. Most importantly, you\u2019ll learn how to dissect a rapid into familiar parts, categorize those parts, choose the correct corresponding moves and find the route to connect them.<\/p>\n

This mindset is key to properly scouting and choosing a line on difficult whitewater. Breaking down the chaos into individual features, identifying hazards, and working backward to find a line is crucial for success when pushing yourself. The creativity practiced on easier rapids will be useful for finding solutions to seemingly difficult moves, and will help you judge speed and timing, which is the next skillset to master.<\/p>\n