Re: [Paddlewise] Greenland paddles - throw/swing weight

Gordon wrote;




>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.

No apology needed. As you will note some opinions have changed since the
last time this went around. That is why we go round and round. One of the
nice things is that one can change one's opinion went confronted with new
evidence. Not being bound to a particular opinion is a blessing.

So far I have seen no reason why a Greenland style paddle is better than a
modern style of paddle. Everything that the Green land paddle users claim
they can do I have done or seen done by someone using a modern style of
paddle.

That does not mean that everyone should rush out an trash their paddles.
Check out Nick's discussion of "Purity" etc. If a person likes something
that is fine.  However, if he/she manufactures specious arguments to
support their preference they only kid themselves and others. It seems to
me
that a personal preference is a personal preference and not the same thing
as, for example, Bruce's discussion of the physical phenomenon.

Let me cite an example. Much is made of the East Greenland sliding stroke
as if it has something to do with the paddle. Surprise! I use it regularly
with my super lightweight Lightning paddle.  I also scull with my paddle. I
paddle a variety of areas and experience a wide range of conditions with my
modern paddle. It also takes time to learn to use it properly.

I say all this not to make fun of anyone but to point out that the magic in
the Greenland paddle may be in the mind (a good place for magic). The
question is, are there physical reasons why the Greenland (or any paddle)
is better?

If so, what are they? It is my experience that they do roll better but
then, I don't capsize. :-) Other than that, what are the advantages and
what can you do with them that you can't do with a lighter, shorter, more
efficient modern paddle?

Just asking folks?

Cheers,
John Winters
Redwing Designs
Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
http://home.ican.net/~735769/










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