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/ ***************************************************************************
<<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.>> I find this very interesting from the POV of a new paddler. I started out trying to feather my paddle but decided it was too dangerous because I wasn't yet coordinated enough with my strokes. I would slap the water, which unbalanced me rather badly if I was paddling hard. Last week we went out in a fair wind and I decided to try it again to see if it helped because I felt the wind was adding to the strain on my shoulders. I found that I was much more able to really use the feathered position without the problems I had originally encountered. I did have to be very aware of the paddle, though. I need a lot of practice to really use the feathered paddle but I did like it. The one thing that worries me is the strain on my right elbow. I hold the paddle with my right hand and that is the one that gets the workout. I wonder if I'm doing something wrong. I've quit holding the paddle so tightly and that helped the issue of blisters and the paddle turning in my hand. But I am very concerned about the joint issue. I never had this problem when I wasn't having to cock my wrist in the up position. The way I used the paddle, my right hand is in the same position as it would be unfeathered but it is cocked up/back to paddle on the left. Is this incorrect or do I just need to work on the elbow or what? Joan Spinner *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 4/2/99 12:07:02 AM Eastern Standard Time, Strosaker_at_aol.com writes: << 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. >> I also use both a feathered 'Euro' blade and a Greenland paddle. When paddling against fast tidal currents or when doing ACA or BCU classes I use the 'Euro' blade. The reason for this is that in the currents I like all the initial power I can get (at the expense of energy) and because the ACA and BCU insist on training and assessment using it. But for most other times I use the Greenland probably about 90-95% of the time. I still think it's important for people to know how to use both. Narrow bladed paddles for ocean application have been used for centuries under the severest of conditions. Two great sea kayaking cultures, the Aleuts and the Greenlanders have developed remarkably similar paddles though separated by great distances. If they are so good how did the wide blade 'Euro' paddle used today by most paddlers come into use? Simple. It started in river kayaking which evolved from river canoeing. Early paddlers were using open canoes, eventually decking some of them and then developing river kayaks. With the reemergence of the seakayak, it was natural to carry the use of the wide blade, feathered paddle over to the sea since everyone was already utilizing it. When new people came into the sport of sea kayaking and wanted instruction, who was there to train them but the river-turned-seakayakers. What paddle do you suppose they used? Did anyone think to ask "Who invented the ocean going kayak and paddle in the first place?" Thus, the Euro paddle became the standard for those who followed into the sport. This type of paddle is very appropriate for river paddling and also has been used in many major expeditions and crossings. There is no doubt that it works but we just can't dismiss the virtues of the Greenland style paddle without giving it a fair shake. They are well suited for touring and long distance paddling, not to mention sculls, braces and rolls Kayakers are strongly divided over the paddle issue and I don't want to fuel it anymore but it is important to note that almost all seakayakers who have switched over to a narrow blade have started out paddling with a wide bladed paddle, myself included. The reverse is not true. As John Heath, a long time student of traditional kayaks and techniques has said, "Quite simply, to attempt certain rolling and rescue techniques with a feathered, wide-bladed paddle is like trying to thread a needle while wearing boxing gloves-with one glove on backwards." WHY IT WORKS! For a given area and all other factors being equal, a flat shape with the highest coefficient of drag gives the best grip on the water. When various flat surfaces of equal area are pulled through the water, a round shape gives the least drag and a long rectangular shape, such as a Greenland style, gives the highest drag or best 'bite' (which is what is desired). A wide blade paddle falls somewhere in between these shapes. When a paddle is pulled through the water, the water on the working blade moves outward to the edges of the paddle and curls around forming an eddy or vortex on the back side These are shed alternately and is the reason for the zigzag motion felt at certain speeds. Only with a narrow paddle is this vortex shedding noticeable because the vortex is large in relation to the blade. The opposite is true for the non working blade. In hydrodynamics, the rectangular shape has the highest coefficient of drag but aerodynamically it has one of the lowest. This coupled with the lower Greenland stroke makes the effect of wind on the blade minimal. With feathered paddles, as the working blade is pulling through the water, the other is edge on to the wind. This may be a slight advantage for wide paddles when heading into the wind but what happens when paddling with a beam wind. A sudden, powerful gust may catch the unprepared paddler and capsize them. The working blade is edge on to the water and will offer no support to counteract the effect of the wind. Where a wide bladed paddle is useful for quick, powerful strokes such as would be needed on the river or in racing, for some it can be very fatiguing for touring. Similar to a mountain bike in low gear for going through dirt and sand versus a touring bike in high gear. Initially, a narrow paddle will offer less power but after a kayak is at cruising speed it makes no difference. Another consideration is that a narrow paddle gives less muscle shock since it develops resistance more slowly. Wooden paddles flex more, acting as shock absorbers in the beginning of the stroke and giving back the snap at the end. It has been said that the Greenlanders did not have the technology to make wide bladed paddles or feather them. Nonsense. The paddle could have been made as a frame and covered with skin or thin pieces of wood or they could have built up the width the same way they attached the bone or ivory tips and edging to the narrow bladed paddles. As far as feathering goes, there is no secret to making a feathered Greenland paddle. I have made them quite easily and there are a few feathered Greenland paddles in the museums so the validity of that statement disintegrates. The paddle evolved as a narrow and unfeathered blade because, quite simply, it works. Ray Killen Katabasis L.L.C. I'd rather be upside down in my kayak than sitting upright at my desk! http://members.aol.com/kayakillen/katabasis ANorAK For Sea Kayakers, By Sea Kayakers, About Sea Kayakers http://members.aol.com/gokayak/anorak *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Ray Killan wrote: > I also use both a feathered 'Euro' blade and a Greenland paddle. When > paddling against fast tidal currents or when doing ACA or BCU classes I use > the 'Euro' blade. The reason for this is that in the currents I like all the > initial power I can get (at the expense of energy) and because the ACA and > BCU insist on training and assessment using it. But for most other times I > use the Greenland probably about 90-95% of the time...(big snip) > Ray Killen > Katabasis L.L.C. > I'd rather be upside down in my kayak than sitting upright at my desk! > http://members.aol.com/kayakillen/katabasis > > ANorAK > For Sea Kayakers, By Sea Kayakers, About Sea Kayakers > http://members.aol.com/gokayak/anorak > Gotta tell you Ray, I really enjoyed your 'exposé' on the rationale to different paddle applications. Seems a really nice supplement to the article you wrote in the latest Anorak issue on making the Greenland paddle. I have collected a few articles on paddle making off the net but found yours the most detailed. In my research I have found a lot about the 'standard' (despite the different configurations)Greenland, but am also interested in the 'storm' paddle. Would you (or anybody) give some reference on this? -- gabriel l romeu http://studiofurniture.com furniture, designed and constructed http://members.aol.com/romeugp paintings, photos, prints, etc. http://members.xoom.com/gabrielR a daily photo journal *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 4/2/99 9:32:11 AM Eastern Standard Time, romeug_at_erols.com writes: << Gotta tell you Ray, I really enjoyed your 'exposé' on the rationale to different paddle applications. Seems a really nice supplement to the article you wrote in the latest Anorak issue on making the Greenland paddle. I have collected a few articles on paddle making off the net but found yours the most detailed. In my research I have found a lot about the 'standard' (despite the different configurations)Greenland, but am also interested in the 'storm' paddle. Would you (or anybody) give some reference on this? >> The 'Storm' paddle is a short (6 foot or shorter) paddle that was sometimes carried on deck as a spare in case the longer paddle was lost or broken. The shaft is only one or two hand grips wide and was used with a sliding stroke. This stroke is always used with a Storm paddle but is frequently employed with the regular paddle. The hands are held toward the center of the loom. As the stroke begins on the left, the left hand remains on the loom and the right hand is allowed to slide out to the edge of the paddle. The left hand pulls, the right hand pushes, the torso rotates to the left and the left foot pushes off the footpeg to transfer the energy to the hull. At the end of the stroke, the paddle is swung to the other side as the right hand returns to meet the left at the loom and the motion is mirrored on the right side. In actual practice the hands do not usually touch in the center and the blade is usually grasped a comfortable distance and not necessarily at the edge of the blade. You have the normal amount of blade in the water but you never have a blade in the wind. Using this stroke with the longer Greenland paddle gives you the duel advantage of a much longer lever with no blade in the wind although is takes a while to get used to using it. You can gain a lot of additional power with this. Depending on how well your kayak tracks, perhaps 2 or 3 strokes can be taken on one side before switching over. In order for me to get used to it, I used it the whole distance on an around Manhattan trip one year. By the end of that trip, I was comfortable with it. Ray Killen Katabasis L.L.C. I'd rather be upside down in my kayak than sitting upright at my desk! http://members.aol.com/kayakillen/katabasis ANorAK For Sea Kayakers, By Sea Kayakers, About Sea Kayakers http://members.aol.com/gokayak/anorak *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
KayaKillen_at_aol.com wrote: > > > The 'Storm' paddle is a short (6 foot or shorter) paddle that was sometimes > carried on deck as a spare in case the longer paddle was lost or broken. The > shaft is only one or two hand grips wide and was used with a sliding stroke. (big snip) Thanks very much for the excellent description Ray. Any plans going to be available in an upcoming issue of Anorak? -- gabriel l romeu http://studiofurniture.com furniture, designed and constructed http://members.aol.com/romeugp paintings, photos, prints, etc. http://members.xoom.com/gabrielR a daily photo journal *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Feathered vs. Unfeathered. Euro vs. Greenland. Used to be when I first started paddling that the first argument generated more than enough heat whenever two paddlers gathered in Neptune's name. Leave it to the Delaware crowd and Texan John Heath to go and re-discover the Greenland paddle and throw another log on to the campfires of perennial argument. Funny to see that the modern argument is pro-tradition (back to Inuit roots) and that the old fogie argument is pro-modern (those dastardly European river paddlers with their wide blades that corrupted kayaking traditions)...do you follow that? You know something...they all work. Each has its up and down side when paddling under different conditions. While we are all inclined to argue that our own personal choice is superior it is really a matter of what you are used to and your own body type and need. I paddle with a medium to narrow blade feathered at about 80 degrees. Wide blades kill my shoulder blades and 90 degree feathering (Klepper wood paddles are at that) are rough on the joints. It works fine for me. It seems that no matter where I go, I am always paddling into the wind (same when I go out running, does that happen to you too?). So feathered works well in that condition. As for sidewind, with a nice stable folding kayak, the flat side surface of a feathered paddle doesn't threaten to tip me over much at all. As for Joan's elbow problems, I have had them but I found that the culprit was that little thing to the right of your keyboard...the mouse. Some fellow paddlers (Jeremy Speer and Jack Gilman) suggested going to a roller-ball and all is dandy now. I am intrigued by the feathered Greenland paddle that Ray Killen mentions in a casual fold of his excellent exposition. Boy, is that a way to skirt around the argument. Reminds me of the Red Skelton movie set in the US Civil War. Our comic friend finds himself caught on the battlefield between Union and Confederate forces. He rigs up a uniform with the gray facing the Southerners and the blue side facing the Northerners. Same with his flag with bars to the Dixie side and the Stars and Stripes to the Yankee side. Then the wind shifts and the flag whips around the other way. ralph diaz Somewhere hidden in Ray Killen's excellent exposition on paddles is the answer...the feathered Greenland paddle. Ray reports having made them and seeing them in museums. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Ralph wrote: > am intrigued by the feathered Greenland paddle that Ray Killen >mentions in a casual fold of his excellent exposition. Boy, is that a >way to skirt around the argument. Excellent post, Ralph. The paddle in question is one, not many. It was previously owned to Derek Hutchinson, and now it is on display in a museum somewhere. It is fully documented on John Brandt's "Little Kayak Book". There are no better paddles or kayaks, but there are different styles. It is like skating; there is ice-hockey and figure skating. Similarly there are Greenland style kayaking, surf kayaking, Tsunamy ranger kayaking, olympic kayaking, surf ski kayaking, bird watching kayaking, military assault kayaking, Inuit seal hunting kayaking, Inuit caribou hunting kayaking, ocean crossing kayaking, expedition kayaking, ... the list is open. Meanwhile, the BCU-ACA-AWA-etc are trying to tell everyone how to paddle, and the industry is selling expedition kayaks with olympic race paddles to people who hardly ever paddle more than one day every other weekend. At the same time, the best sources for learning seamanship are still the Navy publications, the American Sailing Association, and other organizations that certify captains and other crew. And they will ever be. But the kayaking industry is neglecting to teach newcomers the existence of those sources. As a consequence, knowledge about weather, safety at sea, and sea communications, is almost non existent in the average. So, that is the status of our sport in a few paragraphs. Anyone care to agree/disagree/comment ? - Julio *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Julio MacWilliams wrote: <SNIPPED> > There are no better paddles or kayaks, but there are different styles. > It is like skating; there is ice-hockey and figure skating. > <SNIPPED> > > Meanwhile, the BCU-ACA-AWA-etc are trying to tell everyone how to paddle, > and the industry is selling expedition kayaks with olympic race paddles > to people who hardly ever paddle more than one day every other weekend. > > At the same time, the best sources for learning seamanship are still > the Navy publications, the American Sailing Association, and other > organizations that certify captains and other crew. And they will > ever be. > > But the kayaking industry is neglecting to teach newcomers > the existence of those sources. As a consequence, knowledge about > weather, safety at sea, and sea communications, is almost non existent > in the average. > > So, that is the status of our sport in a few paragraphs. > > Anyone care to agree/disagree/comment ? A couple of points while I procrastinate working on taxes (I bet you hate being reminded...:-)): 1) Julio is right that there are no "best" or "better" kayaks or types of kayaking. I am often asked which is the best folding kayak and, knowing all that I know, I can't answer that! There is no "best", perhaps there are some more suitable for certain uses than others. When people ask what I paddle, I warn them that my choice is a combination of accident, personal choice and circumstances. People get hung up salivating for the Feathercraft Khatsalano when it probably is not the best boat for many paddlers who would likely be happier in another model. Doug Simpson, owner and designer of Feathercraft, was visiting with my wife and me last week. I mentioned someone I know who is so skittish in his Khats that he considers it his fair weather, calm water boat. Doug was stunned because it is a boat that cries for going out into rough conditions BUT only if you do have the skills for it. I often hear people say that they want a boat that they won't grow out of and so reach for something beyond their immediate capabilities. That works for some paddlers, who are stubborn and stick to it and willing to put the hours in the saddle needed to get comfortable with it. But, like Julio says, there are an awful lot of weekend warriors who are not going to advance in skills and don't want to anyway. I am not sure we can blame the manufacturers. Just taking for example Feathercraft. It has other models that may be suited for people who might feel skittish in the Khats...the K-1. And, even at that, the K-Light might be a happier choice for many people, than even the K-1. I am certain that analogous situations exist with hardshells or boat models people might build for themselves. A lot of people think that a performance boat will make them a performance paddler when in truth performance paddlers make performance boats perform. In general, I think people buy more boat than they need. But then again that is a tendency in society in general. Down jackets that are meant to see you through a night bivouac on K-2 when the fiercest winter you will face is that of DC. 2) I don't want to get into the ACA, BCU etc. argument about instruction and standards. A case can be made for setting goals, skills levels and testing for them. Judgment is, however, harder to teach and even harder to measure. I understand from what Ray Killen has written on this listserver and in talking with him that seamanship and judgment do work their way into levels of the BCU package. My understanding however is that it tends to come in at later, upper levels of qualification. I would argue that they should come in a lot earlier...at the half star level or whatever may be deemed the lowest. I don't buy the argument that people don't want it that early...I think they do. In this geographic area, Ray and others like Ira Rosenfeld are working on teaching some of these skills early in introductory talks that have not even one star reward associated with them. The Atlantic Sea Kayakers club in New Jersey is planning a trip next week to test signaling devices to see how they work and how effective. I still want to finishing pulling together a talk on Dealing With Traffic, which I have lots of information on already. These are real hands-on stuff that should be gotten out to people more. 3) It will be interesting to see what competition brings to the sport at this juncture. The industry is highly competitive...there are legions of manufacturers despite the recent mergers of some of the biggies. Unfortunate competition means a fight for sales. A fight for sales means glamoring up aspects of the sports and downplaying the risks. More shops are opening up...how qualified are their sales people? The same with touring outfits...how many outfitters are there anyway, a thousand? Sales of gear and tours can lead to cutting corners. We already had a discussion about the K-Marts selling kayaks. ralph diaz ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
Julio MacWilliams wrote: > Meanwhile, the BCU-ACA-AWA-etc are trying to tell everyone how to paddle, > and the industry is selling expedition kayaks with olympic race paddles > to people who hardly ever paddle more than one day every other weekend. > > At the same time, the best sources for learning seamanship are still > the Navy publications, the American Sailing Association, and other > organizations that certify captains and other crew. And they will > ever be. > > But the kayaking industry is neglecting to teach newcomers > the existence of those sources. As a consequence, knowledge about > weather, safety at sea, and sea communications, is almost non existent > in the average. > > So, that is the status of our sport in a few paragraphs. > > Anyone care to agree/disagree/comment ? > > - Julio > So what's your point? There is reams of information out there. It is up to the individual to find it. Kayak shops cannot necessarily afford to keep staffs of highly experienced people on hand. Instructors can only teach so much in a one day course, or even a five day course for that matter. In a perfect world everyone on open water would have the benefit of extensive training, but that'll never happen. As in anything else, the ignorant are that way at their own peril. -Berkeley Choate > *************************************************************************** > 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/ ***************************************************************************
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/ ***************************************************************************
On Fri, 2 Apr 1999 Strosaker_at_aol.com wrote: > 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? When I take someone new out paddling I usually take a few very different paddles. A greenland, a lightning ultralight (with 60 degree feather), a bow (http://people.ne.mediaone.net/jkolsen/html/paddle.html) and a werner comano take apart. I usually start them with the Werner unfeathered. After we get the basic stroke mechanics down I feather the blade and have them try that. If they prefer unfeathered I have them try out the greenland. If they like feathered I have them try the lightning. I also have them try the bow. The bow is usually popular with people who've had wrist or elbow problems. To me paddle preferance is determined by the weather, the company, how far we are going and how much of a hurry I'm in. Why limit yourself to just one paddle style? kirk *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
> What do you think about the advantages and disadvantages of feathered and > unfeathered paddles? > Duane Strosaker Whoa! Don't get there!... :-) Just for the record, and without the intention of lighting that fire again, when I use the euro paddle, it is feathered. My paddling motion with the Greenland paddle is very, very, very different from the strokes I do with a euro paddle. With the Greenland paddle I use a low stroke, and the upper edge of the blades are tilted to the front. With the euro paddle, my hands sweep horizontaly in front of my eyes, and the feather relieves the extra torque on my wrists that such a high stroke produces. There is a proper stroke for every style of paddle. For example, to paddle in ice you need a fork shaped blade with hard and sharp points. :-) - Julio *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
-----Original Message----- From: Julio MacWilliams <juliom_at_cisco.com> >My paddling motion with the Greenland paddle is very, very, very different >from the strokes I do with a euro paddle. With the Greenland paddle >I use a low stroke It is possible, and effective, to use a low stroke with a euro paddle, as long as the euro doesn't have a huge blade. In other words, the Greenland style stroke does not require a Greenland paddle. But the low Greenland stroke does require unfeathered. Jerry *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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