[Paddlewise] Storm Paddle Materials

Ed:

1x4 is too small.  The dimension of the loom will be about 1-1/4 x 1-1/4", n
maybe a bit less, when done, and 1x4 is only 3/4" x 3-1/2".  It could be
done, but gluing on bits to fatten up the loom is hard work.   Make more
shavings, they are lots more fun!  The thin dimension is also the direction
where most strength is needed.

Clear spruce is the best from a strength/stiffness to weight ratio
perspective.  Cedar makes a very light paddle, but not quite as strong.

Lift is the way these paddles make drive force.  The paddle must be rotated
at least 45 degrees to work.  If you try to use it "flat" like a regular
Euro paddle, you will be paddling about 1.5 times quicker to keep up.  If
you tilt the blade until you can see the turbulences is no longer coming off
the trailing edge, i.e., not stalled, you will be stroking at the regular
cadence.  However, my paddle still likes a higher velocity to work properly,
but I can pause a bit between strokes, so the cadence is the same.  

I find I paddle "by ear":  when the angle is right, the paddle stops making
noise.  The turbulence of a stalled blade carries up the paddle, and makes
it "sing".  If I tilt it until it just stops, the blade seems to work best.
Problem is, this effect is noticeable only in flat water.  I can't hear it
in a chop, so I lose efficiency.  I will just have to get used to using it
at the correct angle, instinctively, instead of by listening to it.

I have a square loom.  I think my next one will have a diamond loom,
instead, as I get blisters on the knuckles of my thumbs from the tilt.  The
diamond shape should take the contact off the joints, I hope.

Rob.


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