Re: [Paddlewise] 80 Degree Feather Versus 60 Degree Feather

Bill Hansen wrote:

> Duane wrote of his positive paddling experience using a 60 degree feathered
> paddle, but noted Matt Broze's observation that a 60 degree feather may
> flutter more in high winds than an 80 degree feather would.
>
> Here's an observation based on limited (for this group) experience: For some
> years I've used a 60 degree feather with no wrist problems. I don't paddle
> in the really high winds others find comfortable - if I know the wind is
> going to be more than Bft 5 I stay off the water. But in Bft 5 winds, I
> haven't had trouble with flutter, especially when using a lower paddle
> angle, somewhat more like the Traditional low angle, or the cruising angle
> some people use when using longer (130+ cm) paddles.

This looks like a job for a continuously variable feather angle paddle (now that's
a mouthful!).  You can choose high feather angles for serious winds, moderate
angles for high shaft angle paddling and lower angles for low shaft-angle
paddling.

Pete Cresswell,  on r.b.p (or r.b.p.t), says that the more he uses them, the more
continuously adjustable paddles make sense.  The more I think of them, and
play with different paddles, the more I agree.  That's why my next paddle,
_when_ it arrives, will be c.a.  And variable length.   Add bent shafts and
various offsets to relieve wrist and other joint strains and the days of the
straight shaft, fixed angle paddles should be numbered.

Mike



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