Re: [Paddlewise] How do I paddle? Let me count-

In the recent class I took in preparation for instructor examination,
we were told that the optimum stroke, specially if done with a wing
paddle, requires the shaft to be vertical with respect with the water.

The instructor had us put the paddle vertical on the water, and with
the arms extended, sweep the paddle to the back using only our torso,
no bend on the elbows. 

It makes sense, as one wants the lift of the wing paddle to be
horizontal. However, I have not seen any race paddlers with straight elbows.

What is the point of measuring the pressure on the feet? If you have
a comfortable seat, with an upward slope to hold your thighs, the
friction of the seat alone is suffcient to move the kayak forward.

Or those those atheletes sit on seats with rollers, like the ones
used in row boats? Otherwise the result of that experiment are
not conclusive, as the shape of different rear ends have different
friction factors on the same kayak seat.

- Julio
> 
> I note what I do when I paddle trying to determine if I am following all
> the rules.  Looks good, but do I paddle the same when I am not observing?
> What do I really do?
> 
> A few years back, MIT was recording peddeling techniques used by young,
> active racers.  Pressure transducers were attached to top and bottom of
> both feet.  Prior to the tests the racers were asked to estimate the
> percentage of peddeling effort delivered by the pull up on the toe clips.
> Estimates varied between ten and fifty percent.  The transducers indicated
> a positivre pressure on the bottom of both feet for all racers while
> peddeling.
> 
> mailto:jsanford_at_sundial.net
> Apopka, FL
> 
> 
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