Re: [Paddlewise] Forward paddling, paddle length and cockedwrists

Could it be somewhat mental??

This is a bit convoluted logic, but here goes:

In bicycling there is a procedure called "honking" ( Standing on the petals and
not on the seat )....   I was instructed some time ago that the driving force
on the bicycle is not the forward foot pushing down, but the rearward foot
pulling upward.   Don't concentrate on pushing the forward foot down, but
instead, concentrate on lifting the trailing foot.  Now,  I, being a Physics
major, have a tendency to apply a bit of Physics.  If you lift the back foot by
as little as 5 lbs, then the pressure on the back petal is reduced by 5#.  That
5# is transferred to the forward foot.  Which pushes down on the forward petal
by 5# - Net difference = 10# added to the petal stroke.  So for every # of lift
that you pull with the back foot, you get back twice in available petal force.
Anytime I concentrate on lifting the trailing foot, my speed goes up.  With no
additional effort.

Now for the kayak...   I have noticed that when I concentrate on pushing the
upward paddle shaft, The amount of effort to paddle appears to go down and the
speed increases.  So, I ask myself why....   I have come up with this weird set
of conclusions...  1) IN order to push, you have to relax the upper hand.
Maybe what is happening is that we are getting more rest during the stroke?  2)
WHEN  you concentrate on pushing the upper paddle, I have a tendency to "Put my
shoulder" into it.  Maybe what is happening is that to push the upper paddle I
really force the shoulders and abs into the picture.  3) In order to push the
upper paddle, I have to lower my paddle stroke to be no higher that the
shoulder.  4)  The Triceps ( The pushing muscles ) are stronger than the
biceps.

Me personally think that the solution is some combination of  the four.  Who
cares.

Live long and paddle. ( Stollen from Alex )

Wayne
As long as I paddle, or bike or walk, I live.  Whenever I arrive, I have
cheated death once again.  ( My new tag line )
------------------------------
Alex Ferguson wrote:

> >I also learnt:-
> >
> >- Not to push the paddle forward with the top hand as it is wasteful of
> >energy using movement to reduce the power of the stroke.
>
> Interesting, we have one racing/touring paddler of long years of experience
> advocating the push - emphasising it. I've noticed with new paddlers,
> getting them to add "push" and how their speed goes up as you talk to them
> (on the water).
>
> ????????
>
> Alex
> .
> .
> Alex (Sandy) Ferguson
> Chemistry Department
> University of Canterbury
> New Zealand
>
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--
Wayne Smith   (ò¿ó)   http://www.waynesmith.net/
Humour:  http://www.yahoogroups.com/subscribe/Bandido_Jokesters
October 7, 1999 - 315 lb. - BMI: 44 - Dr Rumbaut - Monterrey, Mexico
Reached goal of 185# July 2000 - Have been +/- 4# ever since.
---------------------------------------------------
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"A critic is a man who knows the way but can't drive the car." -- Kenneth Tynan

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