RE: [Paddlewise] (un)Feathered paddles in surf

Jim

I like to think of myself as a kayak racer.  I do long distances in flat
water and oceans.  I'm not a world class Greg Barton type racer, but I am a
serious recreational racer who trains dilligently year round.  I usually
finish in the first third of the pack -- though every now and then if the
field isn't too hot and I have a good day, I place in the top three.

I use an unfeathered paddle.  I have never met another unfeathered paddler
who races.  If there are any of you out there, I'd love to hear from you.  

I suffer considerable teasing about my choice of an unfeathered paddle.  I
get lectures on how an unfeathered stroke is inherently inefficient.  Any
injury or aches and pains following particularly intense training is blamed
on my unfeathered paddle.

I don't believe these attacks on my unfeathered paddle.  My arm problems are
due to the fact that I earn my living on a computer.  I just can't see how
the biomechanics of using an unfeathered paddle as opposed to a feathered
paddle can cause the elbow problems I have from time to time.  I've watched
some incredible racers paddle their boats (as they blast past me on the
course) and there's nothing to their stroke with a feathered paddle that I
can't do (in theory at least) with my unfeathered paddle.

... and now I will sit back and brace myself for the responces from all you
fine feathered racers out there.

--Tim


-----Original Message-----
From: VajraT_at_aol.com
To: 735769_at_ican.net; paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Sent: 5/2/99 6:30 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] (un)Feathered paddles in surf

> In this particular case I think he discussion
> has an objective of greater understanding of the topic.
What do we see in the laboratory of competition?
I know just about nothing about racing.... Do any competition kayakers, 
flatwater or ocean, use unfeathered paddles?  What feather angles are
most 
popular?  Is there any aspect of touring which would make
medium-distance 
racers' choice not apply for general use?

Best, Jim
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