SNIP) > >He calls it Toksook. It has foam core symmetrical blades with the paddle >shaft extended nearly to the end of the blade as a faired in 'backbone'. >This faired in backbone gives the blade a wing cross section having the >same convex surface on both faces. The blade edges are thicker than most >blades that I've seen. That's my best description of it construction. > >My experience using it was immediately positive. We had been practicing >sculling and I found it much easier to scull with his blade. It was more >forgiving than my thin blade with a curved power face; it was less likely >to dive or flutter. Sweeps were easier to control, more predictable. >Others in the group had similar experiences with the Toksook. > >Can anyone tell me more about this paddle? Are there other designs like it? > (SNIP) Some time back we had the usual debate about paddles (Greenland style - high aspect ratio paddle versus Euro style - low aspect ratio) with the usual objections to the lack of lift provided by the low aspect ratio paddle. At the time I pointed out that low aspect ratio paddles could also be made with thick foil sections that should, according to aero data, produce more driving force than the higher aspect ratio paddles. The Toksook moves that direction slightly but some of its benefits in creating lift get offset by the ridge that destroys the flow across the blade. The leaf shape has more aesthetic appeal than functional value for modern paddlers. Nothing in my tank testing indicated that variations in profile had any measurable impact on thrust. The Inuit may have had a functional use for it but I can't recall it. The increased sensation of control comes from the thicker edges that delay stall. Something any paddle can have. Some theoretical ship rudders have Dumbbell shapes that may also make excellent paddle shapes. Building your own Toksook without the ridge and with a slightly lower aspect ratio should produce a lighter and even better performing paddle. Once the ice leaves I can restart my paddle testing program that I had to terminate last winter. Will report back when done. *************************************************************************** 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 Tue Apr 06 1999 - 03:44:35 PDT
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