I believe defining the issue as feathered v unfeathered is an over simplification. I agree with much of your post concerning 80 or 90 degree feather v unfeather for recreational paddling. The *correct* (minimum wrist flex and minimum body swing and *not using the arms by keeping them almost straight and twisting at the waist*) feather for most paddlers is greater than a zero degree feather. To test this wear a wrist brace on both wrists to prevent wrist movement. You will find a zero feather will slice to the side if you don't flex your arms or wrists. This is because the paddle shaft can never be in parallel to the water surface when you are above the surface. To find the optimum feather for your paddling style (and paddle length and boat/body height above water), I suggest using a two-piece paddle unlocked. Adjust the feather until there is no slicing to the side when you paddle. For minimal arm and wrist flex, a 30 degree feather seems to be about right for me depending on the boat I'm in and the length of paddle I use. But since I want to add the power of SOME arm flex (always <90 degrees) to my torso rotation when I'm on a river or in a current, I compromise with a 45% for both river and sea. This, however, does not address the issues of wind off the lee, stern, or bow. I think you are correct about the disadvantages of a feathered paddle but understate the advantages. Regarding instruction, the people I teach with always let students decide. The one thing we ask students to do is to initially stay with their choice (they don't need to introduce more variables at the onset: have you ever seen beginners trying to learn how to brace at the same time they switch their paddle feather back and forth?). Its unfortunate that you encountered people who *frown* on your choice. The last thing we need are more zealots in the world. -----Original Message----- From: Strosaker_at_aol.com [mailto:Strosaker_at_aol.com] Sent: Thursday, April 01, 1999 9:04 PM To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subject: [Paddlewise] Unfeathered Paddle Preference Sea Kayakers, I started kayaking with a feathered paddle some years ago. The reason I used a feathered paddle then was because it seemed to be the norm for sea kayaking. Most of the books I read emphasized it, so I blindly followed. Then I made a greenland paddle, which of course isn't feathered, and I began using it. After using the greenland paddle for some time, I began alternating between using it and a standard paddle, depending on the type of kayak and conditions I was in. However, when I resumed using the standard paddle, I didn't usually feather it. I did feather it sometime to stay in practice, but I found an unfeathered paddle much more effective. First, the unfeathered paddle is more conductive to a correct stroke, meaning not using the arms by keeping them almost straight and twisting at the waist. Cocking the wrist with the feathered paddle seemed to cause me to bend and use my arms more. Also, that cocked wrist was a weak point, which didn't allow me to paddle as hard. As a result, my stroke is much stronger with an unfeathered paddle. Second, using a unfeathered paddle is more ergonomically correct. Cocking the wrist with a feathered paddle begs for a repetitive strain injury. As for the winds, the unfeathered paddle is best for wind from three directions, from behind and both sides, while the feathered paddle is best from only one direction, from the front. With an unfeathered paddle, wind from behind helps push you. With wind form the sides, the unfeathered blade is in a position that prevents the wind from catching it, whereas a feathered blade catches wind from the sides and can cause you to capsize. Of course, a feathered paddles has less wind resistance in a head wind. However, I have found that my stronger unfeathered stroke more than makes up for the added resistance. I should note here that I use paddles with smaller blades. Blade size is a whole different issue for me to discuss later. I also think rolling with an unfeathered paddle is easier, because you have a better idea about the position of both blades. I consider myself a good paddler. I have good speed and endurance, a dependable roll on both sides, instinctive bracing skills, and surfing skills, all of which I do great with an unfeathered paddle. I think it is shame that unfeathered paddling is frowned upon and that so much emphasis is put on feathered paddling. I'd like to see instructors and authors let the paddlers decide for themselves. Since unfeathered paddling is easier to learn, it should also probably be the type of paddling taught first. What do you think about the advantages and disadvantages of feathered and unfeathered paddles? 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/ *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** 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 Fri Apr 02 1999 - 08:23:29 PST
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