Re: [Paddlewise] Greenland paddle

John Winters wrote:
 (snip)
 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.

Greenland paddling is just a style of paddling. The paddle is different,
as well the strokes, and the things that people do with them. There is
as much reason to say that one style is better than another as there is
to say that wering a green shirt is better than wearing a blue one.

Some people like me have discovered a new universe in Greenland paddling
and that is what we like to do. Others live in the world of wing paddles
and race kayaks, and do that. There are also the worlds of folding kayaks,
sit on top canoes, etc.

What I see as a current serious problem is the fact that one can only
get ACA certification by showing proper strokes with a modern style paddle.
After I get my certification I will be free to teach Greenland style paddling.
But in the meam time it sucks that I have to polish my modern paddle
strokes just to pass the exam. 

(in another message John wrote)
> heavier in the ends (blades) than modern lightweight paddles. Nevertheless,
> users claim they require less effort to achieve the same result as work
> than the low aspect ratio modern paddles.
> 
> What is the explanation for this?

The Greenland style paddle moves in smaller circles than the modern one.
A wing paddle is most effective when held vertical to the water, and
that blade goes from that high position to below the water level on
the other side. A greenland paddle just jets a few inches over the water
before it dives again, that is why it takes less work.

- Julio
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