Bob wrote: <<...Also what "rule of thumb" do others use to determine the length of the paddle. I am 5' 8" and a 240cm length "feels" right.>> "Feels right" could be all you need to know. However, there was a discussion on Paddlewise some time ago about paddle length and some interesting observations were made. Us older guys seemed to be leaning towards shorter paddles. The main reason: they don't put as much stress on the shoulders. Another reason: you get more of an aerobic workout. Shorter paddles would make vertical strokes easier, but if it's too short, you might not be able to do a lower angle stroke. Blade shape is important too. Touring blades offer less resistance in the water. Wing paddles, of course, would be their opposite. I'm 6' 5" tall with very long arms and I paddle with paddles from 220 cm down to 206 cm. I actually developed a chronic neck pain using a much longer paddle... you know, the length I was 'supposed' to be using. Switching paddles was instrumental in alleviating my neck problems. Having a buddy visit frequently from NYC who is a professional masseur also contributed to the healing process. I would recommend going shorter over longer, especially if you've ever tried Geritol. :-) Cheers, Dave Dave Williams dave_at_paddleasia.com http://paddleasia.com Phuket, Thailand "The hard and stiff will be broken, the soft and supple will prevail" Lao Tzu *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Fri Sep 24 1999 - 22:26:45 PDT
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