Re: [Paddlewise] J. Winters on paddle length

>
>Yes, I do use a more upright stroke. This hits on  the kind of thing I was
>talking about re: biomechanics. Jennifer Joy and I had a good discussion on
>this regarding what influences what. Do people use long paddles because it
>is better or them to paddle with a flat stroke or do they use a flat stroke
>because they have long paddles.
>
>I have no answers to that one. We often read about people liking long
>paddles (by long I would say in excess of 210 CM as an arbitrary cut-off
>although another dimension is welcome)  while also reading about people
>liking short paddles (under 210 cm). Why the difference?  As I mentioned,
>the answer may surface from what I am currently reading about
>psychokinetics. Dan's comments on whitewater paddles are interesting and
>worth some thought.
>
>Cheers,
>John Winters
>Redwing Designs
>Specialists in Human Powered Watercraft
>http://home.ican.net/~735769/


Here is why I like long paddles:  I was using a 218 cm conventional paddle
when I inherited a 246 cm narrow blade.  I tried it over my regular 8 NM
bi-weekly distance and found myself much less fatigued.  My speed was the
same (4 knots measured).  Intrigued, I did numerous repeated time trials in
different boats with both paddles.  Same results, I consistently was less
tired at the end of the 2 hours with the long narrow blade.

Now I am an older guy (58) who never races, but I consider my 4 knot average
over 2 hours to be respectable.  The slower cadence of the longer paddle
suits me.  When I now switch back to the shorter, the stroke rate is not
comfortable.  I leave high cadence to the young bucks.

Furthermore, the narrower the boat the better I like the longer paddle,
especially in rough water.  With the blade out from the boat in a natural
brace on each stroke I almost never have to brace for balance.  I just
slowly cruise forward at my 4 knots.

Jerry

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