Re: [Paddlewise] stiffness

Hi y'all,

On Mon, 17 Jan 2000, Robert C. Cline wrote:

<< How about the increased stress to the tendons from a stiffer Paddle?
My usual canoe partner screwed up his elbow (tendons) doing a race. The only
race he ever used a carbon paddle for.  He had done similar length races in
the past.  He blamed the injury on the paddle and hasn't
used a carbon paddle since.  I got a good deal on his, used once, paddle.
He is now prone to elbow problems.  The initial injury took about 6 months
to heal.  While the tendons healed he had to stop golfing and playing
guitar - he had a band prior to the injury.
I have some elbow tendon sensitivity from my carbon wing paddle (a brutally
stiff club of a paddle).  I'm hoping that going to a slightly more flexible
wing paddle reduces the stress on my elbows.>>

My first reaction is to question your warm-up time.  Most folks simply don't
bother to put enough time into this very important step.

I had a bout of tendonitis a long time ago when I was whitewater paddling in
West by-God Virginia.  It was in the spring when the water was high and
fast.  Once you put in, you had to paddle hard to get out through the trees!
I'm sure, looking back, that that was the cause of my problems.  And yes, it
took about 6 months for my elbow to heal too.  It sucked basically.

What could I have done to prevent this?  Well, I could have done warm-up
exercised on the river banks before putting in.

I have a bit of difficulty believing that stiffness is a major contributor
to joint injuries.  I do, however, think that a large blade surface could
add a lot of stress. The wing paddle shape and attributes (not budging...
grabbing the water and sticking there) could certainly do harm.

Whatever paddle you use, warm-up for a long time.  This holds true
especially if you are prone to or have had stress injuries in the past.  Or,
if you've been on this planet for a long time (is this a politically correct
way to describe an older person?).

Cheers,
Dave Williams

dave_at_paddleasia.com
http://paddleasia.com
Phuket Thailand




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