Main Photo Credit: Tyler Blodgett

We last chatted with Chev Dixon in 2020 when we were introducing him as part of our Werner Paddles Touring Team. Chev recently wrapped up the Hudson Valley Challenge and had a lot to share with us including how the experience went and how paddling technique can make the difference in long days on the water.

We asked Chev to remind everyone what the Hudson Valley Challenge was:

"The Hudson Valley Challenge was a 300 mile human powered expedition of the Hudson Valley Estuary. The expedition started in NYC with a 13 mile run, the length of Manhattan across the George Washington Bridge, followed by 10 mile hike across the NJ/NY Palisades cliffs.  The expedition continued on the Empire State Trail  with a 165 mile bike ride to Albany. Once I got to Albany, I sea kayaked 60 miles to Kingston, NY then switched to complete 30 miles of paddle-boarding to Beacon NY.  Finally I paddled another two days to the Statue of Liberty with members of the NYC community kayaking."

Photo Credit: Tyler Blodgett

What was the most surprising thing about the experience?

"I was surprised by things I saw as well as at how rugged the terrain was. The evolved landscape of the riverbank, with the Catskills in the distance, was eye-opening as I paddled down the Hudson. So was the history, both from the Indigenous peoples and colonists.

I was also amazed at how many islands are in the Hudson River along with how diverse the ecosystem is. Additionally, the cleanliness of the river gave me great hope that people are paying attention to our community and outdoor spaces. I can remember clearly that I picked up 14 pieces of trash — much less litter than I expected to find."

 

What was the most challenging thing?

"The most challenging part of the challenge was coordinating and making sure logistics weren’t breaking down. In terms of weather, we took a beating on day one. That run was brutal because it was my longest run ever. The hiking trails were muddy and slippery so I was sliding all over the place. It was pouring rain, windy and cold, which made things exciting but very challenging. The weather on day one provided us with all the challenges we trained hard for and more." 

Photo Credit: Tyler Blodgett

Which paddles did you take with you?

"Choosing the right paddle is always a strategic choice and  for the Hudson Valley Challenge, I used the Cyprus 210cm straight shaft for kayaking and the Apex 91 for stand up paddle boarding."

How did those paddles assist with the success of your challenge? 

"Those paddles assisted with the challenge because they helped me to perform at a high level. In my opinion, the paddles are the top of the line for both disciplines kayak touring and SUP touring. I’m happy I was able to put them to the test by paddling 135 miles in a kayak and 25 miles on SUP.

Moreover, I chose these paddles because I trained with them and I know they would be able to help me maintain good energy levels and give me enough control over my power and technique. The weight, the length, and blade sizes played a huge role. The Cyprus was ideal because of the blade size, it pulled enough water to move me at a steady pace, but also didn’t pull so much that it made me tired. Comparatively, If I had chosen to use the Ikelos, I would’ve struggled more to  complete all the kayaking days. This is due to the fact that it would’ve depleted my power and energy faster because of the amount of water it would be pulling. A good way to test this out is to get both paddles, sprint 400 meters and see which one gasses you the most, or creates the most tension in your stroke.

The weight of the blade was perfect because it doesn’t take away from my power and energy. Having a lighter paddle made from Carbon vs plastic helps tremendously with holding paddling technique which minimizes the arms & shoulders fatigue. The length 210cm was perfect because it gave me the freedom to paddle at a low to mid angle when I was cruising and high angle for more cadence when I needed to get out the channel. 

Additionally the Apex 91 gave me a similar result as the Cyprus except that I was standing up. It was very light and steady which I felt on every stroke."

Picture Credit: Tyler Blodgett

When participating in long distance paddling as you did, how does proper paddle technique play a role? 

"Proper paddling technique ultimately is the only way to get through long distance paddling and  shorter distance as well. Knowing and learning  how to really paddle with your entire body is the best way to put yourself in a position to succeed physically and mentally. As fatigue takes its toll, you have  to mentally convince yourself to hold proper technique. That is the difference maker between those that quit because of pain and those that finish despite their bodies taking a beating. In my case weighing in at 150 pounds, I had no choice but to paddle the right way. I had to make sure my bigger muscle groups were working at all times and my arm positioning was correct and not straining. That is why I was able to get up five days in a row to paddle the length of the Mahicantuk or Hudson River Estuary. Whether I was sitting in my P&H Cetus or standing on my BadFish Selfie, paddling 30 miles per day at 5.5 Mph pace isn’t easy unless you have a deeper understanding of where the energy is coming from and how to release it back in the water along with outstanding preparation."

Photo Credit: Regina Nicolardi

"The kayak stroke:

The catch (1), locking the blade of my Cyprus onto the water while pushing on foot pedals is how I generated max energy from the river. Then I drive my hips back to initiate my (2) torso rotation, which maximizes the power generated from the catch phase of the stroke. (3) As my boat glides with my body to the pivot point (where blade entered the water) right about my hips, I release/recover the blade from the water to set up for the next stroke. 

The sup stroke:

To catch the water, I squat and reach my blade forward, as far as my flexibility allows me to, then I use my legs, hips and core to push the board forward to the catch point where the blade entered the water. Then release once my body and blade are parallel."

Photo Credit: Tyler Blodgett

I know day one provided challenging weather, were you paddling on that day?

"Day one was rough and thank goodness I wasn’t paddling. But running 13 miles and hiking 10 in the wind and heavy rain wasn’t ideal either. I’m glad I got day one out the way on land. The on water days were perfect. Nice weather, calm river with super fast currents all throughout." 

What do you have planned next?

"Next I plan to continue sharing paddle sports and nature with as many people as possible. After the season, I might travel, paddle and/or do a big hike. We’ll see, but whatever I do it’ll be epic. The Hudson Valley Challenge will return, just a little different from this one."

Photo Credit: Tyler Blodgett

Thank you Chev for taking the time to chat with us. We know your next adventure will be a great one!

To learn more about the Hudson River Challenge, you can visit: https://www.negusoutdoors.com/hudson-valley-challenge-1

For more about Chev's experience during the Hudson River Challenge, here is an article:  https://www.scenichudson.org/viewfinder/get-inspired-what-i-saw-while-powering-300-miles-along-the-hudson/?utm_source=Scenic+Hudson+Subscribers&utm_campaign=2b92dc217d-Viewfinder-Newsletter-July-2022&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_428918b3ef-2b92dc217d-331420344

You can follow Chev's adventures on Instagram @negus_chev and Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/chev.bourban

For more information on the Cyprus Paddle: https://wernerpaddles.com/search?q=cyprus

For more information on the Apex Paddle Series: https://wernerpaddles.com/search?q=apex