Dogmatic Kayakers, I've done a lot of launching and landing through surf with an unfeathered paddle, and lately I've been surfing my sea kayak also. Not once has my unfeathered paddle caused me any problems. Of course, anytime I have to punch a wave, I do what we are supposed to, which is to tuck down tight on the front deck with the paddle down on the deck and parallel to the kayak. I also haven't had problems quickly digging in for the next forward stroke or bracing after punching through. On a recent paddle with six other kayakers, everyone but me decided to take a taxi back rather than fight rough breaking seas and 20-30 knot headwinds nine nautical miles to get back. They were all experienced and paddling feathered paddles while mine was unfeathered. However, I have to admit that this event was more a matter of skill, endurance and determination (my pod would add stupidity) rather than equipment. Regardless, it just goes to show that unfeathered paddles work just fine, even in a headwind. But let me add that I use small blades. I am not saying that everyone should use unfeathered paddles, because I believe each person should do whatever works best for him or her. However, I do believe that a lot of kayakers use a feathered paddle only because of dogma. Think for yourself and we will all be free! Duane Strosaker Southern California *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Apr 26 1999 - 22:19:50 PDT
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