Re: [Paddlewise] speed with versus against the current

At 10:04 PM 5/29/98 -0700, 
>
>> > Jerry wrote:
>> > >
>> > >It has always seemed to me harder to paddle against the current as opposed
>> > >to with.  I mean that even with my eyes closed I think I can feel the
>> > >difference, i.e., without looking at the fixed shoreline.  I always
>> > >attributed this to my imagination since I can't think of a physical reason
>> > >it could be true.
>>  

        OK. . . here's a "literary critical" take on this question. Let's
"problematize" the reading of "harder." In addition to "harder" meaning
"more strenuous" it can also imply "requiring more skill and attention."
This latter reading was in fact my first take on this statement. I think
it's a given that paddling in following seas is some of the most demanding
because the waves sneak up behind you, and because of many boat's tendency
to broach in following seas. 

        The rest of the paragraph *suggests* "more strenuous" as implied
particularly in the allusion to sensations of relative speed contained in
the clause: "without looking at the fixed shoreline." Nonetheless, I'd
suggest that paddling may seem "harder" in the broadest of connotations, not
only because the paddling may seem more involved (i.e. "harder") but also
because the flow of the water is not coming past the boat and instead is
flowing with the boat thereby providing the sensation of less speed.

        So is this a question of hydro-physics or a demonstration of
"textual indeterminacy" and problematic reading?  

        Geo. 
        M.A. Lit., M.A. Linguistics
        Rhetorician/Provacateur
        In a SW suburb of Portland 

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************