Learning for Young People Water Based Activity National Curriculum Safety Paddle for Life Resources Classroom Activities Placid Water Scheme and "Canoe history" |
| The Placid Water Scheme |
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The Placid Water Scheme (PWS) was created by David Train in the '70's. David created this scheme to make it easier for
all people to try paddling.
The Bell Boat came out of this experience. To put it simply - "the PWS is designed to remove the fear of taking part."
Before the PWS, all canoe training involved a capsize first! Although I was a good swimmer back in 1975 (yes I know it
was a long time ago!),
I hated the thought of a practice capsize before actually setting off to paddle, but like thousands of others,
I did it - now you don't have to.
The PWS concentrates on paddling as an activity and not swimming!
So those that get the bug for paddling after trying a Bell Boat and want to do more, nearly 30 years on there is still
no better place to start than with the PWS.
The following text was written by David Train some years ago and was adopted by the BCU's handbook for many years. David himself, would be the first to champion continuous improvement, but he laid very clear foundations back then which are good for both today and the future of paddlesport- a bit of "canoeing history". | |
Placid Water - Getting StartedBy David TrainDavid Train commenced paddling as a family man on the canals and slow moving rivers of the Midlands. He moved to Bedford, joined Viking Kayak Club and became interested in marathon racing. In 1972, he moved to Fladbury, a small village situated on the placid river Avon in Worcestershire. There he established a club which, in five short years, became and has remained a major force in the marathon and sprint racing world. His sons Stephen and Andrew are Britain's leading canoe racing paddlers, finalists in the Los Angeles Olympics and gold medallists at the 1988 Marathon World Championships. Involved at the top as Olympic Squad Canoe Coach, David has also been deeply committed as a member of the Coaching Scheme, teaching people of all ages and levels of ability. He is the architect of both the Marathon Racing and Placid Water Coaching Schemes. IntroductionThe Placid Water Teacher Award is a base teaching award of the Coaching Scheme. The Award is an ideal starting point for the leader, whether in a school, scout or guide group, or in a canoe club. This chapter covers part of the course. It traces the evolution of canoeing and the place in it of the Placid Water Award, the teaching philosophy, the base skills for single and double bladed paddling and points the way into where next to go. Basic safety, an essential element of the Teacher Award, is covered in another chapter.The Evolving Canoe CultureCanoeing is a fascinating and wide ranging activity. Rough water canoeing, placid water canoeing, sea canoeing, pool canoeing, slalom and racing, each with different canoes and kayaks, present the newcomer with a bewildering choice. Yet, this seemingly complicated array is based on two very ancient and simple craft - the kayak of the Inuit  Around the world, canoeing as a sport and recreation has evolved in different ways, with each country developing its own canoeing culture, and within it the type of craft used. In America, the main interest has been centred around the Canadian canoe; in Germany and Scandinavia, both canoes and kayaks have traditionally formed the base of the sport. In all three, the canoe type used has been the same, but the kayaks are rather different. In Germany, the touring kayaks are bulky, whilst in Scandinavia slim designs for fast touring predominate. Some might say these differences occur because of the type of water available, but a look at the evolution of British canoeing culture during the past one hundred and twenty years would suggest that the major changes are due to those who have written and taught, coupled with the availability of the canoes or kayaks. John McGregorThe first period between 1865 and 1930 evolved from the founder of British 1 canoeing, John McGregor. His book, A Thousand Miles in the Rob Roy Canoe, fired the imagination of the Victorians. The 'Rob Roy' was a stable kayak, went in a straight line and had a large cockpit.  Made of wood, it was easy to handle and a boat in which any beginner would have felt safe. In this period, wooden canoes were imported and were used for family outings and touring. The limitation to the growth was the cost of the wooden craft. The second period from the 1930's to the 1950's is identified with the wooden frame and canvas kayaks and the start of the BCU Coaching Scheme. Percy Blandford wrote books and produced a host of designs for the Scout movement, which brought canoeing to a much wider number of people. The low cost, make- it-yourself PBK (Percy Blandford Kayak) designs, were, like the 'Rob Roy', stable, went in a straight line, and had large cockpits. The BCU Coaching SchemeThe BCU Coaching Scheme was started in the 1950's by John Dudderidge. The original proficiency tests were designed around the use of the open cockpit straight line kayak. The third period which had a massive impact on both the expansion and the change in direction of British canoeing culture started around the early 1960's. The BCU appointed its first Director of Coaching, Oliver Cock, in 1962, giving added drive to what was to become a very powerful teaching scheme. For various reasons, the Coaching Scheme became more and more interested in rough water canoeing. At the same time, glass reinforced plastic became available. Moulds were produced for the home builder and the designs reflected the interest in rough water. Thousands of kayaks were produced with rockered hulls and small cockpits. By 1980, the Coaching Scheme had 3,000 members almost all teaching in the close fitting cockpit kayak. So powerful had that culture become that, if the word 'canoeing' be mentioned to almost anyone in Britain, their immediate image would be that of a young man or woman strapped into a kayak, wearing a crash helmet and wetsuit, performing turns and rolls on rapidly moving rivers. This was a great image for the adventurous teenager but daunting for many others who might wish to paddle. Indeed, afar, far cry from the canoeing of McGregor. In the late 1970's, new forces were emerging and promoting the use of open cockpit canoe and kayak. In 1981, GeoffGood, the new Director of Coaching edited the Canoeing Handbook and included chapters on 'Canadian Canoeing' and one on 'A Club Based on Flat Water'. In 1984, an awards system for the Canadian canoe was introduced and my small book Canoeing the Fladbury Way was published, becoming the catalyst for the introduction of the Placid Water Scheme. In 1987, the Placid Water Canoe Awards and the Canoe Star Tests were merged. As with the previous major changes, it has coincided with craft made of a different material- this time, polyethylene. In essence, this fourth major change in British canoeing culture has com pleted the circle, teaching canoeing at the base in the canoes and kayaks of the founder of the sport, John McGregor. It is putting the bottom rung back in the ladder, making it possible for many more people to get started. It is indeed a very exciting time for anyone teaching canoeing in this age of leisure. We have a teaching scheme that is within the reach of all non-specialist leaders, in education, scouts, guides, and so forth, as well as providing the base for the specialists. The canoes and kayaks can be produced in huge volume, and we have 4,000 miles of easy waterway available for people to get started on. The Teaching PhilosophyI first started canoeing in PBK touring kayaks. These were stable, open cockpit, and were easy to paddle in a straight line. It was a family activity and with our three young sons we would go for a paddle and a picnic on a warm day. We would use the canoe on our holidays and occasionally go for a longer tour on placid water. I had read about marathon racing, thought I would like to have a go, and joined a canoe club.After five years of paddling on top of the water I soon discovered how to get wet. There were two distinct factions in the club. The first, put me into a close- fitting-cockpit kayak, complete with a spray deck, turned me upside-down in the murky river Ouse, and told me to bang on the hull when I wished to be brought upright again. This was called 'drownproofing'. The second faction put me in a very slim racing kayak, and were greatly amused each time I fell out. Despite this, I persevered, found myself a stable racing kayak and starting racing. When I first taught at Fladbury, I had become a Senior Instructor and used the close-fitting-cockpit, slalom type kayaks, that were generally favoured by the Coaching Scheme. I found that many of the people I was encouraging to 'have a go' were put off by the emphasis on capsize, and so I started to use my old touring kayaks to get people started. As a result, I was able to teach people of all ages, sizes and levels of ability. The club became a success, not only because of the youngsters, but also because adults started to take part. The 'Fladbury Philosophy' was born, and that is the teaching system which is now embodied in the Placid Water Scheme. By using stable, open-cockpit canoes and kayaks such as these below,    When I say canoeing is for all, I really do mean all. Because of their stability, straight line running, and open cockpit, touring kayaks can be paddled by people with a wide range of handicaps, without the need to invent special equipment or activities. The totally blind are quickly able to kayak in a straight line, and paddlers with leg disabilities compete on equal terms with the able bodied. Those who cannot swim because of a fear of water, can gain confidence in a double, with an experienced paddler. 'Canoeing is for fun, it's for fitness, it's for the family. Canoeing is for ALL.' The method of teaching can be very simple. In the first session, the following points should be covered:
Wearing of a buoyancy aid Danger of weirs No wellington boots - they are dangerous What to do in the event of a capsize Importance of dressing in accordance with conditions How to use the paddle How to paddle forwards, stop, reverse How to get into the kayak Stress that every thing must be done gently at first Steering the kayak with paddle. Once your pupils are on the water, let them get a feel of how the canoe responds to the paddle. As they experiment, help them but do not 'overteach'. To most people being on the water is an experience in itself, so let them enjoy it. You do not have to be teaching something new every minute. Relax and enjoy it yourself; that way, both you and your pupils will continue. Having mastered the few simple skills in this chapter you will be able to give many others their first taste of canoeing. If you do not push them too hard, then many will canoe for a lifetime. Some may only go for a gentle paddle on a warm day; others will become dedicated canoeists. Your success as a teacher is simply that they have carried on. BASIC SKILLSWhenever possible, the kayak and canoe skills are shown to- gether. Apart from steering, the strokes and principles are the same.When you are first learning, do not get too worried about knowing all of the strokes. Canoeing and kayaking are really very easy to begin with. Remember, 'doing' is the best The open canoe means of learning. The width of grip on the paddle is fairly wide, as shown in below:  As you become used to paddling, you will modify the grip but to get started, the position shown is good enough. Once you have experimented and found your best grip, it is a good idea to wrap a few layers of tape at the outside and inside of your hand positions on the paddle. If your hands move along the shaft, you will feel the tape and will readjust quickly. The blades on most kayak paddles are feathered to cut down on wind resistance. This means that the shaft must be rotated by one or the other hand during each paddle stroke. It does not matter which hand is used to control the paddle, this being determined by personal choice - or perhaps - by the feathering of the - particular paddle borrowed when first going afloat. If a club is just starting, it is better economically if all are taught to use the same feather, so that paddles can be readily passed around. Before going afloat for the first time, practise the feathering of the blade. It is quite easy. The paddler below is using the left hand for control.  Canoeing is a sport that is quite gentle and results in few problems with injuries. Almost all the injuries which do occur are due to lifting, carrying, or falling over - so be careful when lifting the boat in or out of the water. When "putting in", keep a straight back and lift with your legs, as shown below: 
 Getting in and outWith open cockpit boats this is very easy, as shown below:  The paddler can simply sit : on the seat or, for more control, can kneel. Most beginners will prefer to sit. Forwards, backwards and stopping , strokesForwards stroke The image below shows the start of the canoe and kayak stroke.  The important points to remember at this stage are:
There should be no power on and no splash. The lower arm should be 'straight' and the top hand well back near the ear. Once the paddle is fully immersed in the water it becomes fixed. It will slip a little but not too much. The power is then applied using the back muscles and pulling the canoe or kayak past the paddle blade. The pull is transmitted through the lower arm. The top arm guides and does not push. When the hips are level with the blade, it should be flicked out of the water and then it will be ready for the next stroke. Reverse stroke The starting point of the stroke is shown below.  When paddling backwards, remember to look over your shoulder so that you can see where you are going, as shown in the previous image. Stopping This is very simple. If you are moving forwards then do a reverse stroke. If you are going backwards then do a forwards stroke. Remember not to change the position of your hands on the paddle. Practise stopping very gently at first. As your skill develops, try it at higher speeds. Steering The previous sections have described forwards and reverse strokes. Steering strokes differ between canoe and kayak. Placid water kayaks are normally controlled with a rudder. Sweep stroke The canoes and kayaks used on placid water are flat along the keel and tend to run in a straight line. The sweep stroke (below)is used to turn the craft and can be applied when stationary or travelling:  'J'stroke Whilst steering a kayak can be carried out using sweep strokes on either side of the boat, for a Canadian canoe a different stroke has to be used to bring the bow round to the side on which the canoe is being paddled. This is called the' J'stroke. With the canoe moving, it is used whenever necessary to steer without disturbing the paddling rhythm. The beginning of the stroke is the same as for the forwards stroke but, as the lower arm comes level with the hip, the blade is turned by the action of the upper wrist (below).  The drive face of the blade is then pushed away from the canoe, which brings the bow around. Stern rudder Another steering stroke is used for both canoe and kayak whilst the craft is in motion. The blade is taken to the rear of the paddler and trailed in the water as shown below.  The bow will then turn towards that side. Moving sideways At times you will need to be able to move the kayak or canoe sideways. This may be when you are coming in to the landing stage or lining up for a fun race. To move sideways, we use a draw stroke. There are various types of stroke but, for this chapter, we will only describe the simple draw The start of the draw is shown below.  You are simply stretching out to pull yourself towards the paddle. When the canoe or kayak reaches to within about 15cm of the paddle, the paddle is turned 90 degrees and sliced away from the canoe. It is then turned again and the boat pulled towards it, and so on. At first it is easier to pull the blade right out of the water, rather than turning through 90degrees, and then place it back in the position for the next stroke. Support stroke Although, throughout this chapter, we have made the point that we use canoes and kayaks of a stability that match the paddler and limit the possibility of a capsize, there are strokes which are used to stop a capsize if it is about to happen. These are called support strokes and are best practised on a warm summers day. In the stationary position, the blade is laid flat on the water and a downward push will be enough to right a capsizing canoe (as below).  Be careful taking the blade out of the water. Go gently and then you will not pull yourself in. When moving, the blade is also placed flat on the water, as shown, but with the leading edge raised. This gives a very powerful 'lift' and can be leant on quite heavily. If the leading edge of the blade is low then the opposite effect will occur and a very powerful lever will capsize the canoe. Make sure the leading edge is raised. Emptying the kayak or canoe If you have followed the advice in this chapter, then this should be a rare experience - but, just in case, here is how to empty the boat. With the canoe it is very easy. Just lift one side of the canoe slowly and let the water pour out of the other. The sequence for emptying a kayak is shown in three images below (be careful not to strain your back!):    Throughout the skills section of this chapter, the traditional canoe has been shown to demonstrate single bladed paddling. Some kayaks, such as below, can be adapted to teach with the single blade, while others have been designed specifically for the purpose. Another example below is the Junior Racing Single which has had dimensions reduced to make the boat more suitable for young paddlers.  WHAT NEXT?Within the Placid Water Scheme, the teacher can teach basic skills, introduce racing skills and organise 'achieving marathons'. For most teachers this will be enough but, for those who wish to go further, what are the next steps? There are four main avenues within the Coaching Scheme; rough water kayak, sea kayak- ing, Canadian canoeing, and fast touring or racing in both canoe and kayak. From this teaching base spring the wide range of canoeing activities. The limitation on the numbers who canoe used to be the way we taught, and the supply of canoes and kayaks. This is no longer the case.The main limiting factor in the future will be the availability of water to paddle on. With rough water being such a scarce resource in Britain, the future for most must be based on placid water. I hope this chapter, and what we teach, encourages, indeed inspires people, to use this great resource. | |
