[Paddlewise] speed and safety

Speed & Safety:-





There's a local debate going on about the problems fast and slow paddlers 


have with each other. 





Are there circumstances where paddling fast for long distances significantly 



enhances safety?


>>If this means pushing the slower paddlers past their abilities and endurance
the answer is no.





Can fast paddlers damage themselves paddling below their pace?


>>No but it does get boring. I think most of us have a certain pace we like to
fall into on long paddles. Having to slacken this pace I think , make us lose
some of our effeciency. However for safety I think groups should stay
together.





Could more slightly built paddlers have the advantage due to higher muscle 


to load ratio, if they were in proportionately lighter craft, assuming the 


same linear dimensions?


>in theory the lighter the craft the faster, but a persons built may not be a
good indicator of skill, stamina or speed.





Where I'm getting to is the possibility of load sharing as an


efficient means of travelling for a group of mixed speeding ability.





Load sharing only works if people are willing to accept each other for their
ability and speed. fast paddlers who complain about slow ones or slow one who
feel frustrated spending all day just tring to catch up break down the harmony
of the group. though most of my trips are solo when I do paddle with a partner
it is with a certain  friend. our padddling pace is close to the same so we
avoid the too fast too slow debate/conflict.











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