The Post and Crossbow Draw

Wednesday May 25th 2016

Marathon boats are designed with a long waterline for efficient speed and straight tracking.  They have almost no rocker and are difficult to turn.   In order to execute a sharp turn the bow and stern paddler have to work together.   

The approach to a sharp turn usually starts with the stern paddler calling a “hut” to have both paddlers paddle on the same side (opposite from the turning direction).  This combined with a lean away from the turning direction builds momentum in the boat to begin turning.

The bow paddler plants a blade around which the boat will turn.  This is either a post or a crossbow draw.    The stern paddler usually prompts this by calling “post” (or similar) but some tight race teams no longer need this to be called.

Here are some things to keep in mind when executing the stroke:

• Think of the post/crossbow as the point around which the boat turns.
• The blade should stay solid and fixed in relation to the boat.  If it slips the effectiveness of the stroke is lost.
• The angle of the post/crossbow blade position greatly affects the aggressiveness of the turn.
• Although awkward, be sure to allow the boat to lean away from your post.
• The upper hand of the crossbow should be tucked close to your armpit (although this is subjective; different paddlers are comfortable with slightly different positions).
• The upper hand of a post should be out over the water so the paddle is close to vertical.
• In order for a post/crossbow to work, there must be sufficient speed in the boat.

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Once the boat has completed most of the turn, or if you feel the boat speed really slowing down, resume paddling (usually on the opposite side of the turn).  The momentum in the boat will keep it turning and the stern paddler will slowly take off the lean to resume course.

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