Line Pivot - some additional detail

Line Pivot - more detail

I was asked for some additional information on completing a line pivot. This clip is longer than I wanted (sorry), but I didn't want to complete the pivots or lines too quickly.

Completing a line pivot is not much more difficult than doing a simple pivot, or maybe a bow pivot (but without holding the bow in place). The side displacement is done using variable pitch and placement of the scull.

The example provided is done with an onside pivot.
Although a line pivot can be started in any direction it is easiest to begin with a sculling draw and moving perpendicular to the line of travel. There are three sections in this clip: 1. Overhead shot - this does not show the whole pivot. 2. A close-up from just off of the paddler side bow. 3. A distant oblique section with a line moving away, and then back to the camera.

Paddle Placement and timing:
1. Use a sculling draw to pull the bow of the canoe sideways ahead of the paddling position.
2. As the canoe approaches a forward line shift the scull to pushing the stern of the canoe around and along the line. A small correction or forward stroke may be required.
3. When the canoe has rotated almost to a backward line switch back to pulling the bow around and sideways with a draw ahead of the paddling position.
4. Repeat.....

Notes:
A good heel on the canoe will make the pivot and line control easier.
When the canoe is perpendicular to the line of travel the scull may be shifted beside the paddler (briefly) to maintain side displacement in a line.
When parallel to the line of travel minimize forward/backward strokes as it is too easy to speed up in this direction.
When the canoe is ~45 degrees to the line of travel you may need to add a small draw/or pry at the opposite end of the canoe to force the pivot to complete and keep a straight line. In general, try to draw the bow, and push the stern around rather than make corrections with opposing strokes.
It might be helpful to try completing pivots in a light breeze and keeping position.
When first working on line pivots try in open water - don't worry about the line or the speed (of pivot or line) too much. When you feel more confident try using a taut line above to mark the line, alternatively follow a dock ~half a canoe length out. I like to follow the shadow of overhead wires or bridges. Finally, work on the line's speed and the pivot after building a nice line.
Similar to a pivot try to sit as close to midships as possible, especially when first learning.

Alternatives perspectives:

Series of displaced pivots (Wisconsin Canoe Symposium)
   • Displaced Pivots, A Canadian Style Demo, W...  

Pivots along an arc (line pivot but great circle)
   • Arc Pivot - some additional practice.  

Another example of line pivots:
   • Line Pivot - getting some practice in  

Two early line pivots:
   • Very basic line pivot.  
   • Line Pivot 1