[Paddlewise] Pool Sessions

In a message dated 4/4/00 6:51:48 AM, ptreby_at_ozemail.com.au writes:

<< I can't think of any real reason why the blade has to plane on the
surface

in a roll. The surface is just the highest level on which the blade can

sweep. If conditions on the surface are turbulent, as in storm, wind, why

not have the blade plane lower, out of all that? >>


I think one attraction of starting the sweep right at or above the surface
is that, depending on the paddle, it can feel much easier to initiate.

When reviewing 8 wooden paddles last month, I found that one which had a
flat blade glued to a half-round shaft felt very sticky at the beginning
of the sweep.  This was familiar, like when a paddle with a deep dihedral
back is not almost totally level relative to the direction of motion (was
going to say "the surface," but that's not the point, is it).  In either
case, the blade seems to be pulling a large mass of water in it's wake,
making the start of the sweep feel sticky, as if the blade is almost at
right angles to the surface, at least for those of us without an explosive
start to the sweep.  By comparision, a blade with a smooth back can be at
a modest angle and still flow through the water without a heavy wake.  A
convoluted back will ventilate if the sweep is started with most of the
blade in the air, even if it is pulled under almost as soon as the sweep
begins, and then will not have such a draggy feel.

The better flow does, I believe, contribute more lift to the sweep, which
is one reason I prefer blades without a deep dihedral shape or pronounced
rib.

Mike Wagenbach

"When I hear post-modernist jargon, I reach for my pistol."
-me


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