Re: [Paddlewise] Another batch of new kayaker questions/comments

From: Shawn W. Baker <baker_at_montana.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2000 08:58:24 -0600
"Aaron Cunningham wrote:
> The rudder pedals don't slide they pivot on fixed pegs (i.e. you push with
> your toes).  Even with some tweaking, I had to quit afater bout an hour
> because my calves started to twitch...

Were you using the rudder or paddle technique to steer?  If you were
using the rudder for steering like a motorboat or sailboat does, I'm not
surprised your calves got sore!  Try using the rudder like a direction
control device--to keep the boat pointed in the direction you want to
go, but set it and leave it alone.  Use sweep strokes to turn the boat.

> Is their a free online boat comparison tool?  i.e. a web database of
> boat specs that yopu could compare multiple boats...

John Fereira has one at http://mayfly.mannlib.cornell.edu/kayak/
I would add the disclaimer though, that boats have widely varying hull
shapes that you can't discern by reading length, width, and weight.  You
just have to paddle them.  Aww shucks!

> Re: Paddle length:
Ken Cooperstein posted a fine spreadsheet calculation that takes into
account your paddling style, spine length, boat width, preferred blade
length, elbow-to-elbow length, shoulder width, etc.  I find it's fairly
accurate.

He originally posted it as a MS/Works spreadsheet, but I've converted it
to an Excel spreadsheet.  Email me if you want me to send it to you (I
can't post it to the list!)

Shawn

-- 
Shawn W. Baker          0                                    46°53'N
© 2000            ____©/______                              114°06'W
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^\  ,/      /~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
baker_at_montana.com    0        http://www.geocities.com/shawnkayak/
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Received on Fri Aug 11 2000 - 08:00:42 PDT

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