Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle traction

John,

I doubt if such a thing is patentable (not that I'm any kind of expert).  First, it would be viewed as obvious, and second, I think there are already such designs in use.  I've seen a paddle that fit that description, more or less.  If you'll pardon the electronics expression, it looked like a heatsink on a stick.  Looked like a heavy pain in the a**.

How about a paddle with a chamber at the end?  The blade area would be about 3 cm thick, making the blade approximately as buoyant as the entire paddle weight.  A paddle like this could be used for rolls even for the incompetent and would provide braces even for those who can't learn a stroke.  However, it would probably be too rigid & too heavy for extended use and certainly wouldn't cut the water cleanly.  

jerry.


At 06:11 AM 05/18/2000 -0400, 735769 wrote:
>I once received a letter from a fellow who asked advice on a paddle he hoped
>to patent. The paddle had ridges running vertically down the blade. He
>claimed to have tested it and that it increased drag. Never heard from him
>again so don't know if he ever did get a patent or if he ever tried making
>it.
>
>Cheers,
>
>John Winters
>Redwing Designs
>Web site address, http://home.ican.net/~735769
>
>
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