Beatdowns By Jack Carroll

          Hey readers it's Jack blogging to you from Keenerville. Unfortunately this is my last blog of this year, but hopefully it will not be my last keener blog. Since Keeners is coming to a close I would like to share one of my favourite part of Keeners which is Bigwater Beatdown Bacon Thursday (BWBBT). As many of you may already know from reading previous keener blogs BWBBT is a day where all of the keeners push there comfort levels. This can be in the form of running new lines, or one of my favourite, getting BEATDOWN!

          Getting beatdown is one of the things most kayakers avoid like the plague. For those of you who are not familiar with the term it means going into a spot on the river, loosing control and getting tumbled around. Here at keeners beatdowns are one of the best parts of the week, which is why I would like to share with you my technique for getting the best beatdown in Rightside Phills (a hole on the Ottawa River).

          To do this technique you must:

Step 1- Make sure you have friends willing to set safety for you in the case of a swim.

Step 2- Leave your paddle with your safety buddies, as you will not be needing it.

Step 3- Walk up to the top of the rapid and get in your boat.

Step 4- Catch Rightside Phills, this is best done by paddling into the centre of it. This method immediately sets you up in an out of control position.

Step 5- Tumble, this is usually done with little effort.

Step 6- Wait to regain control. If this doesn't happen right away try to roll. If this doesn't work hold in for as long as you can before deciding to swim. (If you have chosen to swim skip to step 10)

Step 7- Side surf to your left and then spin left. Keep your eyes upstream and dive over your left shoulder back into the foam.

Step 8- Repeat steps 5 through 7 until you have had your fill. You can then surf out to either the left or the right. This usually requires some speed.

Step 9- Once you reach the edge you can try to flip over and grab as much water exiting downstream. Looking downstream and digging you downstream edge in can also help if you do not wish to flip over.

Step 10- Once you are out claim it and paddle or swim to the appropriate eddy.

          This technique has been thoroughly tested and has been successful at giving out the best beatdowns. including the one I was gifted today. Unfortunately this is my last BWBBT and blog of the year, which is why I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone. I'd like to thank my Parents, my Grandma, Kem, my Aunts and Uncles, as well as Anna, Stephen, Clay, Claire, Juan, Devyn, Nick, Joel, Kalob, James, Joe, the Keeners, and everyone else who's name I didn't mention for making this amazing program possible. Thankyou!

          Enjoy the water, until next time,
                                                            Jack Carroll