pivot-based formations
A pivot is a pivot is a pivot. Not really, of course: for more on one-boat pivots see the pivot page. And once you involve more than one boat, life can get much more interesting. I’ve tried to order these formations from simplest to most complex, starting with parallel pivots. The interlocking pivot is an especially satisfying exercise for advanced students to practise their pivots.

These figures represent generic types rather than specific instances. Though they make excellent studies for practising your paddling, the real interest lies in what you can do by varying and connecting these and other formations in a dance.

See also the pages of duets and trios and quartets, do-si-dos, files and ranks.

These figures represent generic types rather than specific instances. Though they make excellent studies for practising your paddling, the real interest lies in what you can do by varying and connecting these and other formations in a dance.

Ratings: simple (for a competent style paddler) ; challenging ; really hard

Click any figure to see an animation.

parallel pivot

reflecting pivot

+ overlapping pivot

interlocking pivot +

parallel pinwheel

parallel pinwheel for three

interlocking pivot for three

interlocking pivot for four +

parallel pivot for three

parallel pivot for four