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. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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