Greetings Paddlewisers, Someone not long ago commented to me that they prefer wooden paddles. At the time, I just made a mental note of it. Then I tried to figure out why. The only thing I could think of was that they float, but other materials do, also. I had been meaning to ask this list (after trying to get answers elsewhere and failing), but then I was in the LL Store in Maine a couple weeks ago (pass by there regularly), and they had a bunch of wooden paddles. The ones with the LL Store logo were relatively inexpensive ($129), and seemed about as light and well made as the more expensive ones. So I bought one. I've paddled three times with it now, each time for at least three or four hours. I really like it, but I still can't say why. On one trip (off Cape Ann out to the Dry Salvages), I traded paddles with my partner, who had a metal paddle (I'm not even sure what kind of metal, but it was a relatively cheap paddle, not a Werner or anything). I hated her paddle and quickly wanted mine back. Something about the feel of it in my hands bothered me (I was wearing Chota gloves, FWIW). I can't explain it. . . I guess my question is rather general: why do some people prefer wooden paddles? As I said, I do like mine, but I just don't know why. Thanks for any thoughts you all might have. Mark Lane *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
<lurk mode off> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sailboat Restorations, Inc." <sailboatrestorations_at_worldnet.att.net> To: <paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net> Sent: Friday, June 02, 2000 8:32 AM Subject: [Paddlewise] Wooden Paddles. . . > Greetings Paddlewisers, > > Snippage > I guess my question is rather general: why do some people prefer wooden > paddles? As I said, I do like mine, but I just don't know why. > > > > > > Thanks for any thoughts you all might have. > Well, I have a wood boat (CLC Chessy 17), and some how, I don't think that anything other than a wood paddle would be right with it. I do like my Bending Branches Journey paddle. Don <lurk mode on> *************************************************************************** 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 6/2/00 9:43:05 AM !!!First Boot!!!, sailboatrestorations_at_worldnet.att.net writes: << I guess my question is rather general: why do some people prefer wooden paddles? As I said, I do like mine, but I just don't know why >> Mark, Two reasons that I prefer wooden paddles are; 1. I like the feel. The paddle shaft will flex a bit more naturally, real or imagined, this appears to be easier on my joints than a metal or plastic shaft. 2. They look better. Bruce McC WEO *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
You left out the most important two reasons! (1) They look pretty - until they have been used by someone like me that trashes his gear! (2) They are wonderfully warm for Spring/Fall/Winter paddling. A wooden paddle shaft and a pair of pogies will keep you hands warm to well below freezing. Outfit3029_at_aol.com wrote: > In a message dated 6/2/00 9:43:05 AM !!!First Boot!!!, > sailboatrestorations_at_worldnet.att.net writes: > > << I guess my question is rather general: why do some people prefer wooden > paddles? As I said, I do like mine, but I just don't know why >> > > Mark, > Two reasons that I prefer wooden paddles are; > 1. I like the feel. The paddle shaft will flex a bit more naturally, > real or imagined, this appears to be easier on my joints than a metal or > plastic shaft. > 2. They look better. > > Bruce McC > WEO > *************************************************************************** > 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/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
At 05:32 AM 6/2/00 -0700, Sailboat Restorations, Inc. wrote: > >I guess my question is rather general: why do some people prefer wooden >paddles? As I said, I do like mine, but I just don't know why. > It's a fairly simple response for me: here we are, paddling around in plastic or composite boats, wearing rubber or goretex or recycled milk bottles. There's got to be something with a natural soul in the picture. Wooden paddles have a considerable mana -- and it helps keep the plastic gods at bay. -- Wes *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Let's be honest. They are just better. They are the "Gold Standard" by which all other paddles are measured. The metal, fiberglass, carbonfiber, et. al. paddles are trying to mimic the wodden paddle. Yes, there is stronger stuff out there than wood, but nothing is better. Just my opinion, and mine alone, based on long and faithful service, coupled with youth and inexperience. My opinions may conflict with each other, and are subject to change without notice, but they are mine and I am sticking to them. Steve Featherkile Wes Boyd wrote: > At 05:32 AM 6/2/00 -0700, Sailboat Restorations, Inc. wrote: > > > > >I guess my question is rather general: why do some people prefer wooden > >paddles? As I said, I do like mine, but I just don't know why. > > > It's a fairly simple response for me: here we are, paddling around in > plastic or composite boats, wearing rubber or goretex or recycled milk > bottles. There's got to be something with a natural soul in the picture. > Wooden paddles have a considerable mana -- and it helps keep the plastic > gods at bay. > > -- Wes > > *************************************************************************** > 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/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
At 5:32 AM -0700 6/2/00, Sailboat Restorations, Inc wrote: > >I guess my question is rather general: why do some people prefer wooden >paddles? As I said, I do like mine, but I just don't know why. I started out paddling with a wooden paddle (a discontinued Dagger). I really love the look and feel of the paddle and I think it is ideal for a beginner especially when you consider how banged up a paddle can get when you are learning various strokes and rescues. I eventually switched to fiberglass and carbon paddles because of one reason - weight. I simply haven't seen a wooden paddle (Greenland aside) that can be made as light or strong as a good fiberglass or other composite paddle. Of course, all this really depends on your paddling style, but if you are trying to keep up a quick cadence and are doing longer distances the lighter weight really makes a difference. Though Werner seems by far to one of the most popular paddle choices in these parts, I actually found them to be somewhat heavy and pretty pricey. I am currently using a Lighting paddle (light and inexpensive) and a Swift paddle (ugly as sin, but cheap and rugged). I still have by wooden paddle though and use it occasionally, especially in rougher conditions (rocks, surf etc). -Patrick *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
"Hi, my name is Shawn" 'Hi Shawn' "..and I am a wood addict." >I guess my question is rather general: why do some people prefer wooden >paddles? As I said, I do like mine, but I just don't know why. Hey Mark, As a wood junkie, I think I can answer that question (at least with my own reasons). It's the aesthetic aspect for me. Nothing looks or feels as good as wood. A direct analogy could be made in sailboats. Why do some people prefer wood boats over FRP? Why do people pay beaucoup bucks for classic ChrisCraft mahogany runabouts and turn out in droves at wood boat shows? It's like furniture you can use, man! Wood is not necessarily stronger, lighter, or stiffer, but it makes one feel more connected to the "good old days" in maritime history when sailors felt the timbers creek and the decks roll on a classy oak-ribbed schooner, with a fresh breeze filling canvas sails held taut by hemp lines. As far as paddles go, wood shafts feel warm to bare hands. Wood shafts are generally more flexible than glass or carbon shafts, so they "feel" more forgiving, and are probably easier on tired joints. Wood blades, well...they look cool! Also, like Don Herring already said, it would feel blasphemous to paddle my wood kayaks with anything but a wood paddle. Of course, I don't have a wood PFD, wood compass, wood sprayskirt, or wood VHF. (yet!) Or maybe I just don't know any better. Shawn -- Shawn W. Baker 0 46°53'N © 2000 ____©/______ 114°06'W ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^\ ,/ /~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^ baker_at_montana.com 0 http://www.geocities.com/shawnkayak/ *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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