Robert, I tour and surf with an unfeathered paddle. I think it is more ergonomic and versatile, because it allows for straight wrists and arms, and for low and high angle strokes. It is also a lot easier to use for sweep strokes, rolls, braces, and stern rudders, because the wrists are in more of a neutral position. Unfeathered paddles are best when the wind is coming from behind and the sides. The only disadvantage they have is in a strong headwind. I did have to feather my paddle in some severe high headwinds that I recently encountered, or else I wouldn't have been able to make any headway. As a result, I now practice paddling, rolling, bracing and other skills with my paddle in both the feathered and unfeathered positions. It was tricky going back and forth at first, but it quickly became easy with practice. Now I can use which position is best for the particular conditions I encounter. By the way, I don't have any problems surfing with an unfeathered paddle, and I actually think it is more effective. I even went as far as to cut my one piece feathered surf paddle in half and put it back together in the unfeathered position. Overall, I prefer an unfeathered paddle, except in a severe headwind. Don't let anyone tell you that you have to feather your paddle to be a good kayaker. Duane Strosaker Irvine, California *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Aug 10 1999 - 20:48:35 PDT
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