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From: Joyce, Thomas F. <TJoyce_at_bellboyd.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Advantages of Greenland-style Paddles
Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2001 12:04:10 -0600
<SNIP As for Toms question to what kind of paddle I am using: It is a Euro
paddle,
I never tried a greenland paddle. You say you found many advantages apart
from the manouvrability under water: Can you tell me the other advantages?
It might be time for a new paddle!>

When I started kayaking I knew only about Euro paddles.  I began
experimenting with Greenland paddles out of curiosity.  Eventually, the
advantages made me retire my Euro paddle and I now use only GPs.  They
include (in no special order):

-GPs are significantly lighter, helping conserving strength on long paddling
trips.
-I found that the smaller volume of water they move with each stroke makes
for more efficient paddling generally.  
-They don't get sand stuck inside them.  
-They are more maneuverable when you are capsized and have to change sides
(your situation in your post).
-They's much easier to scull with.  
-They encouraged my development of many different rolling techniques (and
rolling, in turn, improves overall paddling ability).  
-They are fun to make and you can adapt design and dimensions to your size.
-Using them taught me more about paddling technique and kayak behavior.

At first I was sure that the smaller face would deliver less power.  While
it moves less water, however, I see no degradation in my speed and the
lightness enables me to paddle longer.  If I thought I needed to plan for
the possibility of having to deliver the maximum amount of power in
sprint-like conditions, I would still pack a Euro, but for everything else,
I am now a GP convert.  I'm not proselytizing:  this is just what I found.  

Tom Joyce


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