Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle Length

Tom Dittrich wrote:
> 
> Bob,  I am 5' 11" and use a 240 cm paddle (blades on the smaller side)
> with a 24" boat (Pygmy Osprey Standard).  This works great for me, since
> it enables me to keep my stroke low.  

(In response to Bob's post:)
> > I suspect my 240 cm Swift paddle is too long for me. I've cut it down to a
> > 230 and may continue shortening it, so I can determine the ideal
> > length <> joint pains.
> >
> > What length paddles to other Paddlewisenheimers use? Around here (South
> > Florida) the average seems to be 220cm. I am 6' and paddle a narrow boat.

As with other questions about length, it depends on how you use it <G>,
and the area/shape of the blade.

FWIW, I stepped down from a 240 Werner San Juan ('bout the largest blade
on the market, and one that really "locks" into the water), which was
leading to major tendonitis problems in one shoulder both wrists ... to
a 220 cm Lightning (their standard touring blade, I think), some 3 years
ago.  (I'm 5-10, and used to be pretty strong.)  Really knocked the
tendonitis problems down, though they are returning.  It's only a mater
of time, Bob -- sorry about that!

A 220 cm paddle will demand a super high cadence in some situations, and
you will not be able to race with other strong paddlers, but you will be
paddling years after they have succumbed to joint failure.

The other major variable is that some paddles are better suited for a
low stroke and some to a higher one.  My SO loves her Swift, but it
demands too high an angle for my old joints.  I can handle a Windswift
for a while in my double, but not in a single.

Remember the saga of the old bull and the young bull, Bob.  Just WALK
down to that pasture and ...

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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