[Paddlewise] 80 Degree Feather Versus 60 Degree Feather

Paddlewisers,

As I am sure a lot of you know, I have been a proponent of unfeathered 
paddles.  However, I frequently practiced feathered paddling for those times 
when the headwind is just too nasty for an unfeathered paddle.  The paddle I 
was using was a 2-peice, adjustable for 0 degree and 80 degree feathers.  
Even with a bent elbow, this 80 degree feather was a bit hard on the wrist of 
my control hand.

I just bought a new paddle, and like most new paddles, it came with a feather 
of 60 degrees.  What a relief!  I just paddled 16 miles feathered without a 
hint of a wrist problem, and the feather angle seemed natural as I paddled.  
I can't imagine going back to 80 degrees.

If I recall right, someone, possibly Matt Broze, posted a while back that the 
60 degree paddles flutter more in a strong headwind than 80.  This would make 
since because the upper blade is at more of an angle on a 60 degree paddle 
than an 80.  I'll have to test this some time.

Duane
http://hometown.aol.com/pirateseakayaker
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