Re: [Paddlewise] Stiffness

On Tue, 18 Jan 2000, CA Kayaker wrote:

> How about paddling with shorter un-feathered wooden paddles such as the 
> ones that Cricket makes.

I've got a cricket greenland style paddle that I REALLY like.  It's my 
favorite paddle to practice paddle strokes or go for a paddle cruise 
with.  I've also got a funky bow paddle that a friend with carpal tunnel 
problems designed, he has trouble with a straight shafted paddle of any 
kind.  I've got a write up and some weak pictures at 
http://people.ne.mediaone.net/jkolsen/html/paddle.html).

I also race so I'm not about to give up my wing paddle, or lightning 
ultralight.

>  From my experience there is less strain on the 
> elbow and wrists (particularly the control wrist).   Having had Carpal 
> Tunnel surgery as a result of too many hours playing college tennis I don't 
> want to go through that again.  I highly recommend going un-feathered with 
> wood.

I recommend trying lots of different paddles and finding what works for 
you...  For me what I use depends on what I'm doing and why.

kirk
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