I am in search of an email or url address for John Heath, distributor of the video "Aquatic Man." Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Rick Harwell, Executive Director Leisure Skills Program & S. C. Rural Recreation Project President, Association of Outdoor Recreation & Education Clemson University Dept. of Parks Recreation & Tourism Management 263 Lehotsky Hall, Box 340735 Clemson, SC 29634-0735 USA 864.656.2231 - voice 864.656.2226 - fax wharwel_at_clemson.edu - email www.hehd.clemson.edu/prtm/ruralre.htm www.aore.org *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
>> I am in search of an email or url address for John Heath, distributor of the video "Aquatic Man." Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Rick Harwell, Executive Director >> The video is called "Amphibious Man," and John Heath's URL is http://www.fbtc.net/~jdheath/. Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Chuck Holst wrote: > > >> > I am in search of an email or url address for John Heath, distributor of > the video "Aquatic Man." > Any help would be appreciated. > Thanks, > Rick Harwell, Executive Director > >> > > The video is called "Amphibious Man," and John Heath's URL is > http://www.fbtc.net/~jdheath/. > > Chuck Holst Just to add my own 2 cents. Amphibious Man is extremely well done. If I recall correctly, it was originally done professionally for Danish TV. Quite a video. We Western wimpy weaklings will no doubt take note that the principal paddler in the video and his comrades all paddle without gloves or pogies amidst the floating ice and icy waters. The new Maligiaq video that is available from John Heath is better done than the previous one, which was shot at the Paddler's Retreat. This has better footage including underwater shots of the rolling as well as good explanations by Maligiaq of his paddle stroke and other manuevers. I recall reading in Anorak last year about people being mystified by the angle of Maligiaq's blade in the forward stroke. This aspect is well shown and explained. Even while he is being quite serious in his presentation, some of Maligiaq's mischieveness peeks through. ralph diaz -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
>> The new Maligiaq video that is available from John Heath is better done than the previous one, which was shot at the Paddler's Retreat. This has better footage including underwater shots of the rolling as well as good explanations by Maligiaq of his paddle stroke and other manuevers. I recall reading in Anorak last year about people being mystified by the angle of Maligiaq's blade in the forward stroke. This aspect is well shown and explained. Even while he is being quite serious in his presentation, some of Maligiaq's mischieveness peeks through. ralph diaz >> I am still mystified. Greg Stamer described a forward tilt to Maligiaq's paddle as it entered the water, yet I am sure Maligiaq says on the video that the paddle should enter vertically, though it seems to me that it does indeed have a slight forward tilt. Comment, Greg? Chuck Holst *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I will look at it again tonight but I recall Maligiaq tilting the blade on entry into the water so that its top edge is slanted forward. Most paddlers either plant the blade vertically. Or, if they are in choppy conditions and looking for a bit of support, the top edge of the blade is tilted toward the stern giving somewhat of a semi-braced stroke. Maligiaq definitely says he has the blade so that the top edge is tilted bow-ward. When I heard this and watched him paddling when he was in the Big Apple, I tried that with a European blade and it felt decidedly insecure. But perhaps this blade angle lends itself better for a Greenland paddle. The dynamics of the Greenland blade continue to mystify me, as I bet it mystifies everybody even the most astute student of it such as John Heath and Greg Stamer. Its broad aspect seems to make it dive less than the sharp edged and thin European blade, which makes blade angle less critical in rolling. That is why it seems so easy to learn rolling with a Greenland blade, i.e. the less critical blade angle means one less thing to be worried about when learning and instead lets you concentrate on the feel of the body in the rolling movement. ralph diaz Chuck Holst wrote: > > >> > The new Maligiaq video that is available from John Heath is better done > than the previous one, which was shot at the Paddler's Retreat. This > has better footage including underwater shots of the rolling as well as > good explanations by Maligiaq of his paddle stroke and other manuevers. > I recall reading in Anorak last year about people being mystified by the > angle of Maligiaq's blade in the forward stroke. This aspect is well > shown and explained. Even while he is being quite serious in his > presentation, some of Maligiaq's mischieveness peeks through. > > ralph diaz > >> > > I am still mystified. Greg Stamer described a forward tilt to Maligiaq's > paddle as it entered the water, yet I am sure Maligiaq says on the video > that the paddle should enter vertically, though it seems to me that it does > indeed have a slight forward tilt. > > Comment, Greg? > > Chuck Holst > > *************************************************************************** > 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/ > *************************************************************************** -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I use a Greenland paddle about 90% of the time and find that, like Maligiaq, I tilt the top edge forward when paddling forward. This seems to give a bit more grip and less flutter in the water. The other thing is if the paddle moves aft and becomes a stern draw the blade angle naturally goes to vertical and provides a very strong stern draw. It does not work so well with a typical *Euro* paddle. BTW, I hate that term. Anyone got any ideas for a better term? When we are teaching the roll we try and de-emphasize blade angle. If a beginner is not thinking *too much* about blade angle they naturally find the right angle by self discovery. Contrary to popular belief the best blade angle is a neutral or slightly diving angle. This sheds off resistance to outward sweep *and* provides the most support as the paddle gets out to 90º. Most people try and achieve a high climbing angle and we have found in video review of *expert* rollers the angle most popular is neutral or slight diving. Just my .02 centavos worth. Steve Scherrer Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe 250 NE Tomahawk Isle Dr Portland, OR 97217 Phone: 503.285.0464 Fax: 503.285.0106 Web site: http://www.aldercreek.com Email: acks_at_teleport.com ______________________________________________ ----- Original Message ----- From: "ralph diaz" <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com> To: "Chuck Holst" <CHUCK_at_multitech.com> Cc: <PADDLEWISE_at_lists.intelenet.net> Sent: Monday, February 21, 2000 5:15 PM Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Greenland blade angle (was video request) > I will look at it again tonight but I recall Maligiaq tilting the blade > on entry into the water so that its top edge is slanted forward. Most > paddlers either plant the blade vertically. Or, if they are in choppy > conditions and looking for a bit of support, the top edge of the blade > is tilted toward the stern giving somewhat of a semi-braced stroke. > Maligiaq definitely says he has the blade so that the top edge is tilted > bow-ward. When I heard this and watched him paddling when he was in the > Big Apple, I tried that with a European blade and it felt decidedly > insecure. But perhaps this blade angle lends itself better for a > Greenland paddle. > > The dynamics of the Greenland blade continue to mystify me, as I bet it > mystifies everybody even the most astute student of it such as John > Heath and Greg Stamer. Its broad aspect seems to make it dive less than > the sharp edged and thin European blade, which makes blade angle less > critical in rolling. That is why it seems so easy to learn rolling with > a Greenland blade, i.e. the less critical blade angle means one less > thing to be worried about when learning and instead lets you concentrate > on the feel of the body in the rolling movement. > > ralph diaz > *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 2/21/00 4:24:11 PM Central Standard Time, rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com writes: << Maligiaq definitely says he has the blade so that the top edge is tilted bow-ward. When I heard this and watched him paddling when he was in the Big Apple, I tried that with a European blade and it felt decidedly insecure. But perhaps this blade angle lends itself better for a Greenland paddle. >> I think the size and shape of the loom may have something to do with it. I cut down a old Werner Artic Wind paddle to 86 in to see if I liked Greenland style. It has a round 1-1/4 in loom. I had some instruction from Doug Van Doren at the Great Lakes symposium. He stressed a vertical entry and takeout for the blade. I had no problem with my Werner or with one of the Betsie Bay paddles (I did not measure the loom but it felt similar to my Werner but more ovalled). I bought one of Mark Rodger's paddles which has a 1-1/2 x 1-3/8 in loom. It felt quite a bit larger than either of the other paddles and is a rounded rectangle rather than oval. When using the larger loom, I found that I had to rotate my wrists slightly to keep the blade vertical during the plant. When I read Greg's article about the forward tilt I immediately went out and tried it out. Letting my wrists go to their natural postion produced just the kind of tilt Greg was describing. The entry seemed much smoother (less splashing) and the paddle seemed to travel more parallel to the boat during the stroke. When I planted vertically it seemed to always go a little outward. I do not think I went significantly faster, but I was just as fast and it seemed to take less effort. I should note that I do have very small hands, and others may not notice this effect even for looms the size of Rodger's paddles. In fact Mark is also a proponent of the vertical plant and seemed to be able to put the blade into the water vertically without rolling his wrist when he was demonstating for me. It may be that I just have very bad technique, but I find it much easier to paddle with the forward tilt when using the larger loomed paddle. Mark J. Arnold MJAkayaker_at_aol.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
>Chuck Holst writes: >I am still mystified. Greg Stamer described a forward tilt to Maligiaq's >paddle as it entered the water, yet I am sure Maligiaq says on the video >that the paddle should enter vertically, though it seems to me that it does >indeed have a slight forward tilt. > >Comment, Greg? Maligiaq describes several forward stroke techniques in the wonderful video, "Rolling with Maligiaq". The first is with a vertically oriented blade and the second is with a forward tilt of the paddle(top edge of the blade is canted toward the bow). For both of these strokes he shows his long, full stroke that goes well past his hip. Maligiaq describes using the forward tilting blade as a more advanced technique, "if you are good enough", in his words. He does not specifically mention the angle at the catch at all for this stroke, only that on the exit, the forward tilting blade makes it easier to "take off from the water" as if to prevent the blade from catching on a wave. The footage on the video makes it clear that the forward tilt increases as the stroke progresses but it is difficult to see if the paddle is vertical or canted on entry. Maligiaq also recommends a forward tilted blade for the sliding stroke with a storm paddle and in this footage the canted blade at the catch is more apparent. The first time that I taught with Maligiaq he made it very clear that he prefers a forward angled blade for the catch. Try both and use what works for you but realize that it will take some time to unlearn a vertical catch. Both Maligiaq and Kaleraq Bech really emphasize the exit phase of their stroke. Instead of a strong catch and a weak exit that is typical of most paddlers that I observe, Maligiaq and Kaleraq put extra "oomph" into the exit phase. With the canted blade you can get a very nice "kick" at the end of your stroke. I try not be too dogmatic about blade tilt but I find that many folks who use and preach a vertical plant/exit (with a Greenland-style blade) have a loom that is so long that all ten fingers are on the shaft. If you are gripping only shaft then you can orient the blades in any manner that you wish, vertical, canted forward, canted backward, etc. If you learn to paddle Euro-style and pick up one of these paddles, you will naturally use the vertical plant and short stroke that you were weaned on. At least I certainly did when I first picked up a long-shafted Betsie Bay paddle after several years of BCU training. On the other hand, if you have a custom made traditionally shaped SW Greenland paddle, then only your thumb and forefinger will be wrapped around the shaft, your remaining fingers are draped over the roots of the paddle blades. When holding such a paddle with your arms parallel to the ground and with your wrists/hands in a neutral position, the blade will naturally tilt slightly forward. That is the blade angle to use if you want to experiment with a canted stroke, no need to add confusion or worry about what angle that Maligiaq uses. In fact, if you have a paddle shaped as described above, you have to cock your wrists backward in order to "get a vertical blade". John Heath is working on a new article for Sea Kayaker about Maligiaq's stroke that should throw some new light on this topic. We have spoken on a number of occasions about "paddle tilt" and my impression from talking with John, Maligiaq and Kaleraq is that using a forward tilting blade is a very popular method in SW Greenland, but it is only one of many authentic variations. Some Greenlanders use a vertical blade angle and others add a small sliding component to their normal cruising stroke. Kaleraq even demonstrated a unique sprinting technique that "throws water under the stern" that was highly esteemed in the past but is not practiced much today. One thing that I noticed about Kaleraq and Maligiaq is that they were proud of their differences and kidded each other about their stroke peculiarities. Neither paddler was concerned with creating nor conforming to a dogmatic standard. Both are excellent paddlers. Something else that should be said about Maligiaq and his stroke is that he uses a wider loom than is commonly taught. This allows him to use a large amount of upper-body motion. I have the paddle that he competed with in Greenland and the paddle that he raced with in Quebec. The first has a 24" loom and the second 25 1/2". Maligiaq claimed that the length of his looms were not unusual in Sisimiut for speed paddling. The usual advise that you will often hear is that the loom should be the distance between the thumb and forefinger of each hand when your arms are hanging naturally at your sides. According to Maligiaq, this sizing is only applicable if you wish to use a slight sliding component to your forward stroke. Maligiaq did not have a specific anthropometric measurement for his loom width. When he made a new cedar paddle while visiting in Florida, he simply sized it according to his other paddles and decided to experiment by making the loom a little longer and also increased the length of the paddle. Using a Greenland paddle should feel very natural and your forward stroke will continue to evolve over many years. I think it's great if you want to learn a traditional Inuit style but there is still very little information out there and if you are thinking too much and getting confused on paddle angles and different advice from different sources then my recommendation would be to clear you mind and simply go paddling. Experiment and try different things. The water and your kayak will tell you all you need to know. Greg Stamer http://www.magicnet.net/~gstamer/QK.html *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:09 PDT