Science and art. My father was an aerospace engineer. I was the first born son and frustrated him. My youngest brother is an artist and fascinated him. I was raised to ask why and my explanations had to be sound and rational. This unavoidably has become a core personality trait. I have spent a good portion of my life trying to subdue this autopilot approach,,,,,,,,,, but oh so completely sound! In social situations this correct thought process can really put damper on the flow of the conversation. The essence of which may not be made up in the details. Long winded...... but I begin by saying yes, I like science and on the whole trust it. (must be an agnostics approach) One of the foundation stones of science is that it is evolutionary. This is what we think to be true now based on....... Just look to the past to see what made perfect sense at the time and now gives us a chuckle. Science in true form must be humble and of course exploratory. Then there is art. I can't explain it! But it can have profound effects on people. Wonderful rich experiences. In our western culture which puts a lot of faith in science (justly so in the many ways it has provided us with a great life style) will say it is a personal thing, a preference. On the whole, end of conversation. But something based on science----------well here it is. Let's lay it all out, correctly of course. Well ye that makes sense but why didn't it work for me or does it work for me? I know we give a lot of credence and attention to numbers and data. Unsupported personal preferences still deserve open minded consideration. Even in this realm, the scientific method of thought can be used to explore. A strange marriage. No this is not the Spanish inquisition! Back to this Greenland paddle. I of course have no scientific data to support anything. For the last 5 years I've been using a Current Design Feather and been very happy with it. For what it is, I still am. About once a week I still use it. But I am still fascinated by this Greenland paddle. I really do think the support area is one of it's strengths. Based on the way you can use the whole paddle for a sweep or skull. Then there is the intangible that I mentioned in the first posting.... grace. Yes, I'm sure there are those who look a picture with Greg Bartons new paddle. But like the review in Sea Kayaker said this is a thoroughbred, twitchy and unforgiving of bad technique. Speed and good technique are definite pursuits. Everybody should have a good idea of their own ability for speed for safety reasons but as a goal...? I like to go fast, and when I first started it was a pretty high priority. But with this new paddle I've found grace and a new security in the support strokes. It is not a technical paddle, but very sound and accepting. Sort of funny in a way, I think alot of boat and paddle design borders on art. Sure the designs are justified by the critical data and how it is realised. But the differences are just based on a different view point and priorities. If the science were so exact, all would look the same. By the way, I'm 6'1 and have settled on 88". The "traditional" method of gauging length is anywhere from your arm span to arm span plus elbow to finger tip which would put my outer limit at 94". My first storm paddle and so far only is 72". One of the paddles I made was based on a bone tipped model in John Brand's "little Kayak Book". The flared end is great for extended positions. It functions as a hand stop. You never have to look down. Just slide your hand into the secured location. No look no brainer. Now that sounds scientific! "What hath God wrought?" I read this morning that this was the first Morse code message ever sent. But this highttec wonder of it"s day is slated to end next year as a maritime disrtess notification method. The French have already stopped , their last message was "Calling all, This is our last cry before our eternal silence". Does 1+ 1=2 or =4 Thanks Terry *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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