Re: [Paddlewise] intro and lightning paddles

Clark Bowlen <cbowlen_at_snet.net> wrote:

>>>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.  Aggressive
torso rotation, because it is so powerful, puts greater stress on the joints
than aggressive arm paddling.  That is especially true if the power comes
from an aggressive catch (which takes advantage of the wound-up torso)
rather
than an aggressive finish (where it is mostly arm power).<<<<

This is not much of a problem if one keeps the pushing wrist and arm
straight so the bones stack up to take the load rather than try to transmit
the power through bent joints. For more details see the "Paddling" Manual on
our website.

>>>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 aggressive 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.....<<<<

I had to modify my technique from what I was taught (and is still commonly
taught) to prevent wrist problems when I started Sea Kayaking after a
background in river kayaking. The technique I had been taught was that one
feathered by bending the wrist back. Never had wrist problems again once I
discovered (by necessity) not bend my wrist to feather the paddle. Low hand
control rather than right or left hand control is what I now suggest.


Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com

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