Pry Stroke
A Pry Stroke is a basic but essential paddling technique used in river rafting and kayaking to move a boat sideways or hold position in moving water. When guides mention this in their resumes, it shows they understand fundamental river navigation skills. This technique is particularly important for safely maneuvering rafts near obstacles or when docking. It's also sometimes called a "draw stroke" or "turning stroke" by some guides. Having this skill is crucial for any river guide position, as it's one of the core techniques used to ensure passenger safety and smooth river navigation.
Examples in Resumes
Trained new guides in proper execution of Pry Stroke and other essential paddle techniques
Successfully used Pry Stroke and Draw Stroke techniques to navigate Class III-IV rapids
Demonstrated mastery of Pry Stroke during swift water rescue scenarios
Typical job title: "River Rafting Guides"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find River Rafting Guides
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Guide Questions
Q: How do you teach the Pry Stroke to new guides?
Expected Answer: A senior guide should explain their teaching methodology, including demonstration, common mistakes to watch for, and how they adjust teaching style for different learners. They should also mention safety considerations and proper body mechanics.
Q: In what situations would you choose a Pry Stroke over other techniques?
Expected Answer: The answer should demonstrate understanding of various water conditions, boat positioning needs, and risk assessment, showing how they make quick decisions based on river conditions and safety requirements.
Mid-Level Guide Questions
Q: How do you combine the Pry Stroke with other paddling techniques?
Expected Answer: Guide should explain how they transition between different strokes, when they use combinations of techniques, and how they communicate these changes to their crew.
Q: What are common mistakes people make with the Pry Stroke?
Expected Answer: Should discuss proper form, typical errors in execution, and how these mistakes can affect boat control and passenger safety.
Junior Guide Questions
Q: Can you demonstrate and explain the basic Pry Stroke technique?
Expected Answer: Should be able to show the proper paddle placement, body position, and movement, explaining each step clearly and mentioning basic safety considerations.
Q: When would you use a Pry Stroke during a typical river run?
Expected Answer: Should identify basic situations like avoiding obstacles, approaching shore, or maintaining position in current, showing understanding of fundamental river navigation.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic paddle strokes including Pry Stroke
- Understanding of river safety basics
- Knowledge of equipment maintenance
- Basic guest communication skills
Mid (2-4 years)
- Advanced paddle techniques
- Swift water rescue certification
- Group leadership on Class III-IV rapids
- Ability to train newer guides
Senior (5+ years)
- Expert-level river navigation
- Advanced rescue techniques
- Guide training and mentorship
- Trip leadership and risk management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to demonstrate basic paddle strokes
- Lack of swift water rescue training
- Poor communication skills
- No understanding of river safety protocols
- Cannot explain different stroke techniques to guests
Related Terms
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