Ads Good

Form: Not So Much

Ok, I don't have the visuals I need to make the point of this post. Above is JB, my mentor, and his form is always good. If, on the other hand, you want to see truly bad paddling form, look in any kayak magazine. Any of them, and look at the ads. The paddling techniques are hideous (at times).

Either the paddler has the blade in the water a foot behind the paddler's (model's) hip, the top hand is in a boxers jab or something else glaring is wrong with their posture. What gives?

(At least his form is better than his Dad's)

I know. The commercial photographer shooting the picture is likely not a paddler. He or she is most interested in showing the product off and knows what appeals to themself. Unaware of proper paddling technique, they don't realize what the paddler is doing is less than perfect. Still....

Someone in the kayak business is paying for this ad and the costs of producing it. Surely (no, I am not calling you, Shirely) they realize that their to-be customers are paddlers and may recognize how sloppy everything looks in the ad. What would that say about the reliability or knowledge of the advertizer? Perhaps this is not such a big deal with rec boats and those meant for fishing. But sea kayaks?

I'm done. I feel better; but next time you have a kayak magazine in hand, check out the photos in the ads. You shall see.

Paddle safe...

DS