In the Eastern Arctic Kayaks book it describes a variation of the static brace, Nalaasaarneq. “When performed correctly this enables the kayaker to fall backwards upon the water surface and lie there for several minutes without any movement of the kayak, kayaker, or paddle. The Kayak remains heeled on edge so that the kayaker’s weight is shifted, which helps relieve the tired muscles and aching joints that can result from sitting several hours in a kayak”. This all gels with the static brace I have learned, however when it comes to the paddle it is very different: “In the nalaasaarneq maneuver, instead of using an extended paddle to brace against the water for support, the paddle is used to lock kayak, kayaker, and paddle into a floating unit that remains stable and without movement.” “To perform the nalaasaarneq, the kayaker holds the paddle across the shoulders behind the neck , with the hands outboard of the shoulders on each side, and shifts the hand that will be outbound toward the end of the paddle. The the kayaker twists the torso so the back faces the direction of the capsize. At the same time, the kayaker leans aft and hooks the paddle outboard the aft deck gunwale on the side towards the capsize, then quickly throws his or her head back to capsize, while keeping the kayak heeled with the legs and pelvis so that it is inclide away from the direction of the capsize. When the kayaker hits the water, the head goes under, then quickly bobs up.. The kayaker, who has remained in the position assumed at the beginnning, now floats on the surface facing upwards.”
I have never heard of this previously, but intend to try and learn it on Wednesday night.
