Re: [Paddlewise] intro and lightning paddles

From: Clark Bowlen <cbowlen_at_snet.net>
Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2000 13:51:39 -0400
It is certainly correct that technique can mitigate the effects of feather
on the joints.  There is one variable, however, that hasn't been
mentioned--the amount of power applied during the stroke. The more power,
the harder it is on the joints, especially the wrist of the control hand. .

Here, good paddling technique works against mitigating injury.  Agressive
torso rotation, because it is so powerful, puts greater stress on the joints
than agressive arm paddling.  That is especially true if the power comes
from an agressive catch (which takes advantage of the wound-up torso) rather
than an agressive finish (where it is mostly arm power).

I can only speak for myself, but I had to go to an unfeathered paddle, both
for WW and sea kayaking to cure my 'tennis elbow'.  Admittedly, I've always
been an agressive torso rotator, even when cruising in my sea kayak, and my
30 year-old brain still refuses to cut any slack for my 60 year-old joints,
so I am probably the exception, but.....

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Received on Mon Oct 23 2000 - 10:52:06 PDT

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