Re: [Paddlewise] Modern Greenland Paddle

>
>IMHO the Artic Wind, and most of the commercial paddles that are sold
>as "Greenland" paddles are aberrations of the original idea. They lack
>the profile that provides lift when swept across the water, the shafts
>are too long -designed for the general public who are not expected to
>change their paddling style-, and they are not designed to be grabbed
>at the blades in order to play Greenland "trick" rolls.
>
>As George Gronseth said one in wavelength, the cheapest Greenland paddle
>made at home is better and closer to the real thing than any commercial
>version. Only those who make their own paddles following the descriptions
>of John Heath and others know the difference.
>


I don't believe one should use the pejorative term aberration to describe
these commercial paddles.  Yes, they are different and have other
characteristics.   But the advantages of modern light weight materials
should not be dismissed.  Unless you use aberration as an esthetic term.

For forward locomotion the modern paddle is at least the equal of the
traditional.  Perhaps you can't do all the sculling moves as easily.  But I
have not missed a roll in a long time with my Windswift.  But then again I
cannot do all the traditional roll variations.

Jerry

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