You've entered that stage of skill building that is in some ways the most frustrating: when you get it right sometimes and totally wrong others, and can't discern what you did differently. Let me assure you that the phase will pass, even though you might never be able to put your finger on what changed in your technique. Almost invariably, your subconscious learns what's going on even when you can't explain how you improve. But with that said, let's have a try.

	Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson Jonathan Hanson is a writer whose lifelong appreciation of nature shows up frequently in his work. Meet Jonathan Previous Answers

Since you refer to going around bends, I'm assuming you're a river canoeist and are having mixed results maneuvering in current (if not, much of what I'll say should still apply). Needless to say, without watching you in action it's difficult to determine with certainty what's happening. However, I suspect your problem might be a circular one: since you're becoming more and more unsure of your success in negotiating fast bends, you might very well be unconsciously slowing before entering them--and slowing down inhibits the effectiveness of many maneuvering strokes. Think of an analogy on a lake: If you paddle at top speed, then do a simple rudder maneuver with the paddle, the boat responds instantly. But if you're sitting still in the boat, just sticking the blade in the water won't do a thing. In order to change where the bow is pointed in such a situation, you need to perform a pry or draw stroke. The analogy holds, with some allowances, in current: if your boat is moving at the same speed as the current, you are, in effect, sitting still. Maneuvering is more difficult, and the current has an easier time moving you in unwanted directions. Of course, in many situations it's impossible to paddle faster than the current, and in such spots you must work on those same pry and draw strokes that would pivot or move you sideways in still water. Practicing those strokes on a lake can be beneficial.

If it's possible, I'd try to find a bend on your practice river where you can easily portage upstream, and try running it several times, using different entry speeds, and see if that helps.

As an aside, make sure your boat is properly balanced front to rear in terms of weight. An unbalanced boat will exacerbate handling difficulties.

Good luck, Lisa, and write back if this doesn't work.

—Jonathan

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