Re: [Paddlewise] Paddling gears?

From: Robert C. Perkins <rperkins_at_fayettevillenc.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 12:27:17 -0500
Hank Hayes wrote:

"Kayakers can use canoe paddles, but most aren't seated high enough for
them to be efficient."

Hank and I have traded email on this subject before.  I understand how
leverage works and, in theory, his argument.  In practice, it works like
this for me.  When I'm paddling normally, my hands are about 22" apart on
the shaft.  On each side, there is about 8" between my hand and the throat
of the blade (depending on how you measure where the blade starts) and
24.5" between my hand and the tip of the blade.  Wouldn't I get roughly the
same amount of leverage if I used a canoe paddle that fit these
specifications?

I'm reasonably certain of these numbers because I spent a couple of weeks
trying to determine the sizing for a Greenland-style paddle.

Bob

--------------------------------------------------
Robert C. Perkins, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Research and Planning
Methodist College, Fayetteville, NC 28311
910-630-7037     rperkins_at_methodist.edu


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Received on Tue Mar 31 1998 - 09:43:31 PST

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