Hiking technique

   Paul Elvstrom developed the 'drop hiking' technique in the '60s. I used it throughout the '70s in a Heron and OK. Later on I had a Laser and was forced into the straight leg technique by the rubbish ergonomics of the boat. Now I have the Blaze I can use a modified 'drop hiking' technique and find it much more comfortable than straight legs. What are the pros & cons of the two techniques?

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Sam.Spoons Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3400	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sam.Spoons Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Hiking technique Posted: 07 Sep 17 at 12:20pm
	Paul Elvstrom developed the 'drop hiking' technique in the '60s. I used it throughout the '70s in a Heron and OK. Later on I had a Laser and was forced into the straight leg technique by the rubbish ergonomics of the boat. Now I have the Blaze I can use a modified 'drop hiking' technique and find it much more comfortable than straight legs. What are the pros & cons of the two techniques?
	Spice 346 "Flat Broke" Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

iGRF Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 11 Location: Hythe Online Status: Offline Posts: 6499	Post Options Post Reply Quote iGRF Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Sep 17 at 12:33pm
	Simple, they both should be outlawed, they not only look ridiculous, they cause pain and discomfort that is unlike proper manpain you get doing mansports.
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Eisvogel Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 09 Dec 16 Location: Birmingham Online Status: Offline Posts: 135	Post Options Post Reply Quote Eisvogel Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Sep 17 at 12:59pm
	See here for more information: https://www.roostersailing.com/blog/hiking-styles-the-secrets-behind-efficient-and-healthy-hiking/ Including Steve dropping his trousers... In short: keep your legs straight, otherwise you will end up with knee pain, and you won't hike as efficiently. Edited by Eisvogel - 07 Sep 17 at 1:00pm
	Enterprise 20361 (Eisvogel), Laser 102727 (Halcyon), Laser 121986

davidyacht Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 29 Mar 05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1345	Post Options Post Reply Quote davidyacht Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Sep 17 at 1:35pm
	Could use a bit of both techniques on long beats, that way you use different muscle groups, and can hang on longer. Steve's pointy toes technique is good for applying the pressure to those around you ... out of the start and tight reaches.
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iGRF Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 11 Location: Hythe Online Status: Offline Posts: 6499	Post Options Post Reply Quote iGRF Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Sep 17 at 2:31pm
	It's time I patented and released my hiking harness.
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Cirrus Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 29 Oct 15 Location: UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 590	Post Options Post Reply Quote Cirrus Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Sep 17 at 6:18pm
	It's time I patented and released my hiking harness. Can we assume you refer to your 'special interest' Lederhosen harness ? Not sure you will get any patent awarded of course ....

Sam.Spoons Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3400	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sam.Spoons Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Sep 17 at 6:24pm

	Spice 346 "Flat Broke" Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

Riv Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 23 Nov 13 Location: South Devon Online Status: Offline Posts: 353	Post Options Post Reply Quote Riv Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 07 Sep 17 at 7:08pm
	Totally agree with iGRF. Hiking is the dumbest looking sporting activity ever. We are just conditined into thinking it is ok and some how laudable. (well not quite the dumbest, that is taken by windsurfers rowing their way around a course) On a more serious side, it is plain dangerous as it causes a major increase in blood pressure as your heart tries to force blood around some of the bigest muscles in your body which are literally in spasm. In short don't do it and if you must then do a lot of conditioning. Both methods are bad for your knees, it's just how bad they are and how much damage will you accept? I gave up hiking Lasers three years ago as I found that two weeks on ibuprofen was too much a price to pay and I'm fit and ride the 10 miles a day to work and back 6 days a week over big hills in Devon. I now only use windsurfers and I refuse to row them!

dohertpk Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 28 Sep 12 Online Status: Offline Posts: 172	Post Options Post Reply Quote dohertpk Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Sep 17 at 9:58pm
	If you must hike, you need to get your quads and posterior chain sorted or you will suffer. That means lots of squats, lunges, split squats and deadlifts.

By The Lee Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 06 Aug 17 Online Status: Offline Posts: 114	Post Options Post Reply Quote By The Lee Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 08 Sep 17 at 11:13pm
	Drop hiking is not only bad for you but is slow as you have to sail with the boat heeled to leeward to stop you bum dragging. if you want to see how to hike properly watch a video of someone like Slingsby in a Laser