I'm new to poling a flats boat, any suggestions on a good place to practice around Charleston? Preferably somewhere isolated so I'm not bothering other people and completely embarrassing myself.
I live on James Island, thanks for the adviceFind a creek and just pole. It takes a few times to get it dialed in but it won't be that difficult after a while. Eventually you won't even think about it. Where are you in Charleston?
Yep, I think I remember feeling like I was backing a trailer. It's also pretty much the same way your motor propels the boat. You'll get the hang of the basics quickly.This is going to sound crazy, but it will eventually help... I think... lol.
Think of your skiff as a shopping cart that you’ve turned around and are pushing backwards. The front wheels are locked, as is your bow, in that it wants to inherently track straight. The back wheels freely pivot, as does th flatter aspect of your stern.
If you want to turn your backwards shopping cart right, you kick out the back end to the left... push the stern out towards the left, the skiff will pivot and track right.
Figure out what side (L or R) you prefer to pole from, face the bow, and let her rip. A few hours and some 360’s later you’ll have it down. Gentle nudges and slow going are your goals. Have fun!
This really helped, I am new to the game as well. Thanks for supplying good info to the newbs!This is going to sound crazy, but it will eventually help... I think... lol.
Think of your skiff as a shopping cart that you’ve turned around and are pushing backwards. The front wheels are locked, as is your bow, in that it wants to inherently track straight. The back wheels freely pivot, as does th flatter aspect of your stern.
If you want to turn your backwards shopping cart right, you kick out the back end to the left... push the stern out towards the left, the skiff will pivot and track right.
Figure out what side (L or R) you prefer to pole from, face the bow, and let her rip. A few hours and some 360’s later you’ll have it down. Gentle nudges and slow going are your goals. Have fun!