[Paddlewise] paddle "swirls"

Now that the greenland paddle heat has cooled (I hope) some, maybe I can 
get some of the scientific minds to answer a small question.

I, as most of you know?, paddle folding boats and use stock, break apart 
paddles. Nothing fancy, altho after joining this list I have cut down one 
of my plastic paddles to relieve the pressure on my ageing joints.(seems 
to work) Most of this heated debate has been interesting, even if very 
confussing! I would guess paddles were like bows. They used the style 
that suited the purpose. ie, the short bows of the plains indians because 
of the horse...Modern man uses them ones with training wheels because he 
likes to cheat(he thinks)and like to tinker.(I guess this is for anouther 
site tho) :>)

My question. I have noticed the twin little vortex swirls coming off the 
edges of my paddles from time to time and under certain 
circumstances(while backing out of a tight cove)I have noticed that these 
darn things can spin on seemingly forever. (I watched one spin for I know 
a solid minute, and would have went longer except I stuck my finger in 
it)
Where does these things get their energy to keep spinning? I find it hard 
to believe that they are kept spinning on the paddle stroke energy. 

Maybe not important in the world of high pressure paddling, but it darn 
sure is in my world of laid back paddling.

Thanks.

James

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