Paddler Magazine: Functional vs. Interpretive Freestyle Canoeing

"So, what is FreeStyle, and what is the difference between Functional FreeStyle and Interpretive FreeStyle? One of the best definitions of FreeStyle is ‘The art and science of precision canoeing.’ That definition is a catchy phrase and quite accurate, but it requires more discussion."


Functional axle solo:



Interpretive axle solo:

Good article with good photos for reference, although I think more photos showing the artistic flair of interpretive freestyle would help get the distinction across. As the photo of Bob and Elaine hint at, there's more to it than the advanced skill of heeling to the rail.

It is unfortunate, though, that there isn't a simple term for functional freestyle, similar to how in the Nordic skiing world "skating" is used to describe "freestyle skiing". I haven't come up with a good term for functional freestyle canoeing but "functioning", "canoodling", and "quadranting" just don't work.

Yes, good article.

tketcham said:

It is unfortunate, though, that there isn't a simple term for functional freestyle...

Click to expand...

I have chosen to just call it control. Either you are in control of your boat or something else is.

please delete