Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle Stiffness

From: Peter Treby <ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au>
Date: Sat, 16 Jan 1999 10:15:43 +1100
Whiterabbit wrote:

> Efficiency  lost due to flex in a paddle somewhat depends on your stroke, In
> my stroke there may be some flex as the paddle passes the hip, but most of
> that is recovered by the end of the stroke, YMMV  For us more senior paddlers,
> a slight loss of efficiency is offset by reduced stress on shoulders, wrists,
> etc.

My move to the stiffer paddle was prompted by the beginnings of strain twinges
in my right hand, wrist and elbow. I am  trying a stiff unfeathered paddle with
a slightly larger shaft diameter (30mm). The previous paddle was fairly
flexible, feathered at about 83 degrees, with a shaft diameter of 28mm. Whatever
the factors operating, the right arm strains are relenting. Perhaps the stiffer
paddle, being more efficient, requires less effort and imposes less force. But
it's also possible that the feathering, shaft diameter, and my ragged technique
influence the situation.  I'll try anything and everything and see what works.
I'd be interested to learn what qualities others like in paddles, without making
feathers (and unfeathers) fly.
Regards, PT.

***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************
Received on Sat Jan 15 2000 - 15:15:00 PST

This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:30:18 PDT