OK, here is what I think are the steps to a good boof stroke.

First though, let it be said that each boof will be different in terms of how you want to time it. But, for the sake of explaining it, lets assume that we are talking about a straight over, sharp lip.

1) As you approach the lip, take a few strokes to gain some speed. This should be two or three nice and relazed strokes.

2) As you get even closer to the lip, place your paddle in the water right at the lip. Make sure that your paddle is fairly close to your boat.

3) Wait until you can see the bottom to make sure that you don't take the stroke to early

4) This is the important part: the Boof Stroke. Once you can see the bottom and you have your blade placed on the lip of the drop, shift your weight slightly back(don't lean back, just a small shift of weight).

Then, take a stroke forward stroke. Make sure that this stroke is vertical so that it propels you straight forward. If it is not verical it may act like a sweep stroke and turn you sideways.

As you take your forward stroke, lean forward again, and pull up with your knees. It helps to think of this part like a sit-up, I think.

5) As you land, place your next stroke so that you are ready to keep paddling out at the bottom.

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I hope that helps. As I said at the top though, every boof is really different. There are times when you want to take your stroke earlier or later, or sometimes you even want to turn sideways by making it more like a sweep stroke.

As for Neds, you can boof that too. Essentially, a boof is bringing your bow up, thus keeping it over the hole. If neds is a little more like a slide, with no defined ledge, use the same technique described above, just wait a bunch longer and take it as you approach the hole. Also, since there is no lip, its just a judgement call on where you palce your stroke.

Sorry for the super long post but hopefully it helps. It's though to explain so if you are confused by anything I said, feel free to ask for clarification.

David

One thing that has not really been mentioned here is boat angle and pitch which is really key. One of the funnest thing about boofing is the fact that almost every boof is a little different than another because its rare to find identical features and flows etc.

So here is my thoughts on it and this is really to add to what is mentioned here because KTW and Tom covered pretty much 90% of the technique. A few more things to consider.

It is always easier to boof something you know, or have seen. If you have not seen the drop it is difficult to know where to place your line for the most aired out boof.

I will use Neds as an example since it is mentioned already. Neds is not really a slide at all. It is a 4 foot pour over that has a cross current seam at the lip. There are of course many different boof angles you can take on this ledge but like most ledges there is a special little line that will open up the most air in your boof.

To find this line you looking for a Ramped out look at the edge of the lip. Anything that creates a nice ramp to launch off of. It could be that a seam of water creates the ramp, it could be a rock that creates the ramp or wood etc... With neds the ramp is created by a seam of water. The idea is to position your boat so the current propels you off the most ramped out area while you adjust your timeing and angle to place your last Boof stroke as KTW mentioned. Much of the Boof is boat angle though. If you were to just do a straight boof off Neds you would catch air but not nearly as much as if you start right and then drive left launching off the higher left side with diagonal angle. The side of your pitch also dictates the easiest side to take your last stroke. Sometimes it can be tricky to discover the boof flakes and angles but with work you will have it.

Here are a few shots of boofs off the site.


Notice the placement of that last stroke, the highest location (ramp) of the lip, Pitch of the boat allowing the stroke on the proper side.



Not the best form but its an idea.... Probably not the best drop to boof either, but ain't no one going to be boofin off that one anytime soon!



Ramp + Angle + Pitch + Stoke + Momentum (Really only affects how far you clear the base) =  Boof

Oh yea and Of course the Monster Boof From Tretwold.


Here is a clip of Tretwold doing the Boof on thunder

And at the bottom of this trip report you can see me doing the same ledge. Another boof.

Watch those and keep the eye trained on Boat Angle, Pitch and stroke placement. Hope that helps... Oh yea and if your into easy boofin.. The cooper is the spot to practice right now.


James




Edited by James - 12 Jul 2007 at 12:00pm

I have to agree to all that was written about boof strokes. Bigger features is what will give you the air under your boat. I have found that pulling all the way to your hips on your last stroke and lifting your knees is how I get my bow up. By pulling all the way to your hiops makes you slightly transfer your weight back and lifting of your knees will pull your bow up. Just be sure to lean forward again before you land or you can be stern squirtin..

Edited by top pin - 16 Jul 2007 at 12:09pm

With regard to pitch and boat angle on the boof, watch these guys get after it.  It's not really creekin' unless you run the rock wall and bring your hand roll! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNLWwHzgJ1w

 

holy shwinkies ! That was just a wic wic wicked sick footage on the Yule !!!!!!

that yule footage was sick.