>> Many of us who paddle with Inuit ("Greenland") paddles also use the short version of that paddle called a "storm paddle" as a spare. It's ideal for a situation in which the Inuit paddle (1) fails, (2) is lost in extraordinary weather, or (3) is too much paddle for a run into very high headwinds. And it fits on the foredeck of most kayaks, making it a lot easier and safer to get to. But it takes practice. Especially in big weather. But that's exactly why the Inuits --- the ones who <made> the "Darwin cut" --- carved them and used them in nasty weather. "Joq" Martin St. Inigoes, MD >> ************************************************************************** * Like Joq, I use a Greenland paddle and carry a storm paddle as a spare on my foredeck. Because my hands slide back and forth a lot on my Greenland paddle, I don't use a paddle tether. But I have practiced capsizing, grabbing the storm paddle off the foredeck, and rolling up with it. In fact, it is my favorite rolling paddle. I have also practiced bracing a lot with it, in case I ever really need it as a spare. A great thing about having a storm paddle as a spare is that no assembly is required. I also carry a tether in my day hatch in case I am ever in a really hairy situation, but so far I haven't used it. I suppose I should do as others suggested and practice a variety of rolls with it. N.B. Not all Inuit paddles are shaped like the Greenland paddle; in fact, the Greenland paddle is unlike any Inuit paddle west of Greenland, though it somewhat resembles one variety of Aleutian paddle. For that reason, I prefer not to say "Inuit paddle" when I am referring to a Greenland paddle. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Mar 24 1998 - 16:32:36 PST
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