Re: [Paddlewise] PADDLE BLADE SIZE

From: E. Sullivan <sullivaned_at_pop.mts.kpnw.org>
Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 17:12:27 -0700
    Just got back from a week of paddling (many many miles) working on my
technique to remediate the aforementioned tendonitis (thanks to all who wrote
advice) and think I have it wired (pain free!).

The first half of the trip I used an old two-piece Werner paddle with  standard
sized blades (not sure of the area) because I could use it unfeathered. When the
wind picked up I'd feather it.

After I was pretty sure I was paddling more ergonomically (and after the dang
locking mechanism in the Werner blew out at a v. inopportune time) I switched to
my Lighting with a more 'aggressive' blade. I guess it's more like a racing
paddle.

Question is: why use a little blade?  When I wanted to go easy I just did. But
when I wanted to go fast or turn hard to avoid a rock or broaching on a wave I
felt like I could get much more of a response from the big blade.

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Received on Tue May 18 1999 - 17:19:42 PDT

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