by Roy Ivey
Perhaps it was the cover of a magazine way back in 1989 that launched our journey into Tandem Interpretive FreeStyle. Mike Galt and Marylou Wilson’s big axle was a “WOW.” It got us thinking, “Could we do that?”
Some years later Tandem FreeStyle Instruction was included in canoe symposia from Houston to the Adirondacks. The Lindaburys were center stage, teaching tandem FreeStyle classes, exhibiting, and competing against other talented paddlers. Competition drove the sport and challenged teams to perfect the maneuvers in the “core Curriculum.” We learned from several great instructors. It was “big fun!”
Those of us who were just starting our FreeStyle journey exhibited in programs at each event. And the best paddlers wrapped it up as they competed for the “National FreeStyle Championship.” After 2008, Tandem Competition was suspended, though exhibition performances in both tandem and solo continue to this day at most FreeStyle events. Without the required moves and restrictions of formal competition, paddlers were free to put the “free” back in FreeStyle. Details such as rail-down and 180 degree turns became less important. Audience appeal became the goal. FreeStyle was now more of a performance than a contest. Are we right back where we started? I think not.
Solo and Tandem FreeStyle Paddlers recognize the importance in “lookin’ good.” In tandem, the ability of the bow and stern to work together became the focus.
Matched strokes are very important. It’s harder than it looks. The bow must have perfect cadence. And the stern must count on that never-changing rhythm to maintain synchrony with every stroke. It’s hard enough just going forward, but it is a real challenge in maneuvers. Note that in the “early days,” it was the norm for the stern to “paddle it around” while the bow performed the big axle. Today, for audience appeal, most tandem teams count on strong initiations and conclusions and strike a “pose” as momentum carries the boat around.
Since we are performing for an audience, “wow” becomes a factor. Remember the “wow” in Marylou Wilson’s Big Axle? Details are all-important. Attractive clothing and matching PFDs (optional at sanctioned events) add to eye appeal. And the occasional smile goes a long way!
In tandem, such details as both-cross maneuvers, matched paddle angles, and a few graceful arm movements draw the audience eye. The angle of the canoe is also important. For instance, side slips look best to the audience if the boat slips across their field of vision. A boat heeling toward the audience showcases “rail down” maneuvers.
At many FreeStyle events, tandem teams closed the show. The choreography, music interpretation,and extreme body positions of the tandem paddlers added a bit of “wow” to end the early symposia. Enter: Elaine and Bob Mravetz. Somehow Peg and I were able to connect with this talented couple to develop the first “Duet-Duet.” Two LoonWorks Duets paddling in nearly perfect unison would now conclude the evenings’ performances.
It should be noted that the four of us performed various Duet-Duet routines all over our country and in Germany at the 2008 Kringelfieber.
At Kringelfieber, in addition to our two-boat Duet-Duet, we teamed up with the Dutch and German teams to paddle a never-before seen four-tandem routine.
We had two left-onside and two right-onside teams, spoke three different languages, and only had two days to put it together! Fortunately, the language of the canoe kicked in.
We practiced our crazy routine over and over, but something went wrong every time. Suddenly it was Saturday evening and the crowd gathered for the big show. The event opened with paddlers from all over Europe exhibiting solo and tandem routines. Then, we two American teams paddled out individual routines followed by our Duet-Duet. And then it was time to perform the four-boat finale! Oh no! How would the eight of us get through it?
As the music started, we opened with a fleur-de-lis, followed by nested axle/posts and concentric wedge/tangents and a four-boat pinwheel. Then we all side slipped to an audience-facing formation with paddles raised! It all went perfectly!
Sadly, with the loss of Elaine, all that remains are the memories of paddling Duet-Duets and that four-boat routine in Germany with Bob and Elaine Mravetz. We hope that many paddlers will enjoy paddling tandem as much as we have.
“Paddle Tandem, feel the romance.”