Re: [Paddlewise] Paddling efficiency (wa

From: Larry Edwards <72037.3607_at_compuserve.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Apr 1998 14:59:44 -0400
To: >internet:paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net

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).

    I have short shafted wooden paddles with small blades made
specially for me.  4"x18" blades, symetric, roughly rectangular.
I originally intended the design as a storm paddle, but now use it
almost exclusively as my working paddle. It looks RIDICULOUS, but
at the higher cadence I actually move my kayak faster and put less
strain on my joints.  It is also a good kids paddle, and as a
spare is easy to carry on deck because of the small blades.

    If curious, please e-mail me off-list since I don't watch
this list closely.

    Although this paddle looks extreme, I have seen one paddle more
so.  An old photo I have seen shows an Eskimo paddle that was
nothing more than a short pole with a small seal scapula on each
end.  So, I still have more extreme things to experiment with ...

-- Larry Edwards

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Received on Thu Apr 30 1998 - 12:49:35 PDT

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