Re: [Paddlewise] Paddling efficiency (was: Rudders)

From: Fred Brown <jfbjr_at_mindspring.com>
Date: Wed, 01 Apr 1998 23:13:58 -0500
how 'bout a 6' storm paddle?

Fred

Richard Fawcett wrote:

> 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/
> > ***************************************************************************
>
>   ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>   Richard Fawcett <mayberryrf_at_advi.net>
>   Attorney
>
>   Richard Fawcett
>   Attorney               <mayberryrf_at_advi.net>
>   603 North Main Street  Work: 336-789-4179
>   Mount Airy             Fax: 336-789-4171
>   NC                     Home: 336-789-2042
>   27030                  Netscape Conference Address
>   USA                    Netscape Conference DLS Server
>   Additional Information:
>   Last Name     Fawcett
>   First Name    Richard
>   Version       2.1



***************************************************************************
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 Wed Apr 01 1998 - 20:29:12 PST

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:29:55 PDT