On Wed, 22 Jul 1998, Gerald Foodman wrote: > > From: Dan Hagen <dan_at_hagen.net> > > > >Actually, I agree with you that it is extremely difficult to see any > >advantage to one type of paddle over another in a recreational setting. > >But this in no way diminishes the enjoyment to be derived from arguing > >about such things. Arguments tend to be more heated precisely in those > >cases where the stakes are very small. > > > > For example, I heatedly disagree that it is extremely difficult to see any > advantage to one type of paddle. If you use a stopwatch over a measured > distance, and for several time trials, using say a 7'2" wing and an 8' > narrow blade paddle you will detect a huge, imense and, what is more, a big > difference. > > Jerry Of course there are differences among paddles. An Eskimo paddle may be better for long steady paddles (though I don't like them for that or any other purpose) whereas a wider euro paddle might be better for racing. Of course time trials are hardly a recreational setting, but that's not the point. Different paddles are better for different types of paddling. And a high stroke and wing paddle may be faster, and therefore used by racers, but that doesn't mean it will allow the average non-racing paddler to cover his or her maximum distance in a day. I have a fairly narrow Sawyer and a much wider and more curved Sidewinder. I'm noticeably (to me) faster with the Sidewinder, and I'm pretty sure I'd also tire faster using it, though I haven't yet used it enough to be sure. It's definitely harder to roll with. Regarding the original point that the paddle doesn't move, just the boat does - I have no idea whether that's true, but even if it is, why would it mean that the choice of paddle makes no difference? Presumably some paddles move a boat more per stroke than others, even if each were paddled in this non-moving style. Joy Hecht Arlington VA *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Jul 22 1998 - 19:32:38 PDT
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