Learning the reflexive low brace

Lots of instructors just repeat a mantra that they learned, but the best instructors go the extra mile. In a word, they're thoughtful. They've questioned the dogma, picked it apart, and they speak from years of experience - both their own and from working with students. That's this video in a nutshell, and its one of the best that I've ever seen. Whether it's bracing, drawing, or sculling, I find that students are afraid to commit, to trust the technique - and as Brian says, when bracing they don't edge the kayak beyond the tipping point before engaging the blade. As a result, they never learn an effective brace. I also see strokes classes where the high and low brace are allegedly taught along with 6 other strokes - in a 3-4 hour class. I've never found that to be a good class format, and I've been teaching strokes classes for over 40 years.

You have a gift for teaching! Extremely well designed teaching video.

Angry frogmen and Kaiju? That does it. I am never pretending to kayak in my tub again!

Thank You for sharing all your knowledge . Great presentations !

Awesome! I will definitely start practicing this A LOT!

Thanks for this amazing Learning Clip

Great explanation and guide many thanks 👍

spass out that is the best thing ive heard in ages

and Kraken. Fear the Kraken. It was good to emphasize constant practice, that is how reflexes are built. Practicing in super shallow water is good. It is less fearsome, and if you fail, you can just pole yourself up with your paddle, or your arm if it is very shallow. Tip, Slap, Slice, Hip

thanks for making this instruction informative AND fun!

Again, Brian, thank you for your clear explanation and this good video, for sure

I just have to say , its great listening and watching no nonsense, instructive videos, with a slight twinkle . Thanks so much

cool video and great tips ... well done! (plus, great paddle man)

Awesome. I love it. Thanks

thanks for the tip, greetings from Hamburg, Alster. -- new to Kayaking and love it so far.

Great work, much appreciated

Great video you did an awesome job narrating this very confident speaking voice is clear you know what you're talking about

That was pretty good. Many thanks.

Really enjoyed this and helped me see my low recovery action in a new way. The point about not anticipating the recovery when practicing makes a lot of sense, and I am eager to get out there and practice it better!

Very well made video! and in general this Youtube channel has been invaluable for me! Thank you! :)