Re: [Paddlewise] Racing and paddles with hydrofoil shape

From: Rich Kulawiec <rsk_at_gsp.org>
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1998 22:03:37 -0400
On Thu, Jul 23, 1998 at 02:18:41PM -0700, Julio MacWilliams wrote:
> Racing is different because races normally take place in ideal and
> controlled conditions. Racing boats are not designed to roll and move around
> rocks and waves, neither racing paddles. Racing gear is designed to 
> maximize the efficiency of the human body motion to move forward in
> ideal conditions.

What?  Race boats, at least slalom racing boats, *are* designed for
precisely that purpose.  Same for the paddles; and the designs of both
represent attempts to maximize speed and maneuverability simultaneously.

Which means compromises have to be made: slalom boats aren't as fast
as downriver/wildwater boats in a straight line, but they turn far
easier (flat-spins or pivots).   Similar comments can be made about
creek racing boats, where the important design criteria are shifted
somewhat toward the safety issues involved.  And so on onto flatwater/sprint
racing boats, marathon boats, and so on.

---Rsk
Rich Kulawiec
rsk_at_gsp.org

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Received on Thu Jul 23 1998 - 19:03:08 PDT

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