Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle swimming

In a message dated 2/7/00 3:47:42 PM Pacific Standard Time, LedJube_at_aol.com 
writes:

<<   I heard somewhere that you can't swim with an unfeathered paddle at all. 
 Yet I thought I was practicing just that this past weekend.  Anyone??
 Jed >>

When I still used a feathered paddle I did a long swim in though large surf 
(swell forecast was 10 feet). I backstroked all the way into shore. I was on 
my back because I could not bring myself to turn away from breaking waves. It 
turned out to be very efficient. I remember a small wake streaming behind my, 
between big wave's rolling up and burying my head. 
The unfeathered paddle works better with the swimmer facing forward. The 
movement is less efficient with more side to side movement of the upper 
torso. Everyone at some time should try it in the pool for themselves.

Of course since I switched to the unfeathered paddle I have not had to swim 
to shore. :) 


Tom C. 
Edmonds, WA.
USA
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