Re: [Paddlewise] Feathered v Unfeathered paddles

>From: Robert Lawson <lawson_at_unt.edu>

>A newbie question-
>
>I have recently begun paddling. I had many wrist injuries in my
>youth and I am concerned about the long term effects of bending
>my wrist while using a feathered paddle. What are the advantages
>of feathered over unfeatherd. How much would I risk my wrist to
>use a feathered paddle?
>
>I am interested in river touring w/ mild white water if it is
>part of the trip. I also hope to do some ocean surfing.

Congratulations Robert!
You've hit on a question that is approximately like asking "I've decided to 
convert to Christianity - should I become a Catholic or a Protestant?"  The 
only saving grace, as it were, is that it's much easier to switch back and 
forth between feathered and unfeathered.
When sea kayak touring I paddle unfeathered 99.99999% of the time. I paddle 
a so-called "quill" blade that doesn't seem as affected by headwinds as 
spoon blades. It delivers less force per stroke but allows you to paddle at 
a slightly higher cadence, but lower effort per stroke, that you can 
maintain all day with minimal grief to your wrists.
When paddling whitewater or surf, I use a feathered blade, perhaps because 
the large bladed paddles that deliver the torque you need in this kind of 
water only come in feathered versions.
Whichever paddle(s) you choose, two suggestions
1. Practise your braces, rolls, and sweeps with all your paddles so they 
become instinctive.
2. Especially when touring, there is no need to maintain a "death grip" on 
the shaft; this will just aggravate possible wrist problems. The lower hand 
can grip with just enough force to pull the blade back, and the upper hand 
can even flex completely open as it "punches" forward.

Happy paddling,

Philip Torrens
N49°16' W123°06'


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