I've mentioned before that one of the great things about the Symba is how non-intimidating it is. Well, I may have to rethink that. It seems when I pulled up next to the land paddler, the first things she noticed were my Courts parking sticker and the black and white colors of Billie. Her first thoughts were, "Am I doing something wrong? Am I being pulled over?" So much for being non-intimidating.
Anyway, we had a nice chat. She was impressed that I was wearing all the gear. She called me a "Serious Rider." I was impressed she was wearing a helmet.
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| Nice helmet and really cool stick. |
She didn't know anyone else who land paddled. She hasn't had her Kahuna Big Stick for very long and has been looking for trails and places to play. I told her about the trails over in Madison County and about Grant's Trail. Unlike Heather and me she was a skateboarder before taking up land paddling.
When I got home and told Heather about meeting another land paddler she asked me how this person had heard about land paddling. Isn't that a great question? I wish I'd thought to ask. Oh well, maybe next time. Hopefully the three of us can get together and do some trails.
Heather's question reminded me of how I learned about land paddling. I was on Grant's Trail here in St. Louis and saw this guy on a skateboard pushing himself with this stick. I was curious as to what he was doing, but not curious enough to ask. However, later at home I started to think how cool what he was doing looked and started searching on Google. Eventually, I discovered the Kahuna Creations Website: http://www.kahunacreations.com/
Sadly, I haven't seen him on the trail since.
And now when I went to post the link I discovered they have a new Adjustable Stick. Hmmm, now where is that Credit Card?
Here's a couple of links to videos.
First a good instructional video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK-y44Gy1No&feature=related
Here's one that shows why I think a helmet should always be worn.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N10idJVe94E&feature=related
Finally, a nice video of a guy just out doing it. Plus, there is a scooter in it for some two wheel content.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFMV-SQFSM0&feature=related
Land paddling, that's a new one for me. Is it used for propulsion or control? And on the streets only or used with dirt boards too? Do you paddle up hills?
ReplyDeleteLots of questions...
Very interesting to say the least. Do you have any action pictures so we can get our feeble minds wrapped around this concept?
ReplyDelete-Peace
Dear Keith:
ReplyDeleteThe problem with land paddling — as I see it — is the unforgiving nature of the pavement when you kiss it at velocity. For this reason, I recommend canoe paddling, which can be enjoyed with a cooler of beer in the canoe. I must say I highly approve of any two-wheeled contrivance that makes women pull over and engage in conversation.
Fondest regards,
Jack/Reep
Twisted Roads
Richard,
ReplyDeleteGoing up hills is rather hard work. We tend to stay on rails to trails type surfaces. Some people, Kate is one, uses the sticks as a brake and sort of a rudder when carving down hills.
The sticks don't work well in the dirt. They are designed for pavement.
Thanks for commenting,
~k
Allen,
ReplyDeleteI've added some links to some land paddling videos. I don't have any of us riding our boards, but this should give you a pretty good idea of what it is about.
Thanks for stopping by.
~k
Jack,
ReplyDeleteYup, the pavement can hurt. For this reason I work at not falling :)
I added a video to the posting with you in mind. It shows a woman learning to skateboard and things go wrong.
By the way, land paddling pretty much eliminates the possibility of drowning.
~k
Jack,
ReplyDeleteYup, the pavement can be unforgiving.
On the other hand I've never heard of anyone drowning while land paddling.
One chooses one's risks.
Added some videos to the post that shows more about land paddling. You might enjoy the second one :)
~k