Margi Bohm wrote (via John Winter's posting): "My first observation is that most sea kayakers do not paddle conventional flat blades correctly and an improvement in boat speed (or in enjoyment of a trip because of improved efficiency) can be achieved by simply learning to paddle the flat blade efficiently. " To work with a coach who really knows paddling technique would be a privilege worth paying a substantial sum for. Most of the instructor-qualified kayakers I have met may know all of the "tricks" but they haven't perfected their basic forward stroke any more than I have. I've learned some dos and don'ts along the way, either from books or experience, but I can't watch myself paddle in real time. Having a knowledgeable coach who could watch and point out errors would be a godsend. We all learn, one way or another, about fitting a kayak to a paddler. We've all heard the phrase about "wearing" a kayak. However, most of us have not fitted paddles to our physiques and boats as carefully as we fit our kayaks. Many of us would benefit from some scientifically determined guidelines for sizing paddles, especially determining shaft length and blade area. A group of sea kayakers might be able to videotape each other and analyze the tapes. That would be better than no instruction. However, I doubt that anyone can develop a truly efficient paddling style without first acquiring a properly fitted paddle. Bob -------------------------------------------------- Robert C. Perkins, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Research and Planning Methodist College, Fayetteville, NC 28311 910-630-7037 rperkins_at_methodist.edu *************************************************************************** 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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