Re: [Paddlewise] paddle sizing

merijn wijnen writes:

> 
> The major difference between paddles is not just blade size or 
> length, it is handling. For example: I like a long narrow blade 
> because it is easy to control blade angle, and ( for the paddles I 
> have tried) they tend to flutter less than wide blades. But this is, of 
> course is a very personal opinion, only valid for myself.  
> 

Handling includes, or should include, bracing and rolling. After years of 
rolling with a Greenland paddle, I find a wider-bladed "Euro" paddle harder 
to set up for a roll after a capsize. The wider blade feels like it is 
fighting me as I try to move it underwater into the setup position, though 
maybe that's because of my lack of experience with it. 

For that matter, a short Greenland storm paddle can be easier to roll with 
than the standard Greenland paddle, mainly because you can sweep it faster 
through the water. 

Chuck Holst 
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