John Winters wrote: > I don't know that anyone has done much with small blades and a more > vertical stroke. Always it seems to be small blades on long shafts > (Greenland) or large blades on short shafts (racing and white water) . This > is not really a fair comparison. From a purely mechanical standpoint, the > stroke closer to the boat wastes less energy (less wasted on turning > moment). From a purely biomechanical standpoint the more vertical stroke > promotes more body rotation and use of torso muscles while making best use > of the arms for maximum push and pull. > > It would seem to me that one might get best results using a small blade > that did not stress muscles an a short paddle with a more upright stroke > for greatest efficiency. John, I agree with this analysis. The problem is where do you find such paddles. Everything I have seen is short with wide blades, or long with narrow blades. I can't find any paddles with a short shaft and narrow blades. Any suggestions? Richard Fawcett Mayberry, NC > Cheers, > John Winters > Redwing Designs > Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft > http://home.ican.net/~735769/ > > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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