[Paddlewise] Greenland paddles - throw/swing weight

Thank you for your responses and I apologise to John Winters for bringing
up a subject that has "gone around and around". I have just discovered this
paddle and am very enthusiastic about what it offers. If it is all a bit
mundane, excuse me for I know not until told.

I think this paddle offers more than just " possible improvement in rolling
ability."   For exposed ocean paddling - shore exploration - there is the
important category of support. To be in close to shore in rough water with
incoming and rebound making conditions jumpy, this paddle is rock solid.
Not relying on the water surface but down under where a simple scull is
like a hand on the dock. Being able to skull 360 almost as slowly you want 
is a real treat.  Yes, some rolls are very easy but the support is a very
important area of ones paddling abilities that will keep you from having to
roll.  I gave my paddle to a friend who is a very good paddler. He tried
some of the rolls and support strokes and the first thing he said was "it's
too easy".  A possible hint why women take to it. I live on Vancouver
Island. We have the whole range of sea conditions here, so a good
repertoire with your paddle is a good idea.

I have been using this paddle for a couple of months now. It is true, one
must give it some time. I think it was Chuck Holst who called it a
'variable length paddle'. Very apt. I took a clinic with Derek Hutchinson a
few years back and was introduced to extended paddle use. I now see where
Derek got this from and the altered hand position.

 My second question about bouyancy and possible  throw  weight/swing weigh
was more a confused intuitive thing.  It still may be!  I will try again. 
But does the fact the blade in the water is supporting its' own weight
shift the center of this  throw  weight/swing weight to the inboard hand.
The hand position for the Greenland paddle is about shoulder width. This
hand is near the centre of the boat during a good portion of the
stroke.There must be some force change between holding a lever and then
pushing on it. When pushing you no longer have to actively hold it up. I am
obviously not a physicist. All this may be looking for something that isn't
really there because I am trying to answer a subjective observation. That
being  -  the weight increase with this new paddle didn't  seem to bother
me as much I thought it should.

Here's to clouds in my brain

Terry


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