[Paddlewise] Paddles

As long as we're talking differences in paddle efficiencies, etc., Thought I
would pass along an interesting experience I had today.


A friend and I,  both relatively new to kayaking, were paddling and decided to
exchange paddles to see if it made any significant difference. He uses a 220cm
Werner (sorry, don't know the model) with blades approx.17" long by 7" wide.
The shaft is glass and the blades are plastic. I use a 225cm Lightning with
blades approx. 20" long by 6"wide. Glass shaft and blades. So, he has shorter
wider blades and my paddle is somewhat lighter with longer narrower blades.


I would have thought the 2 paddles would be very similar in "feel" as far as
ease of paddling and ability to propel the boat forward given the blade size
(Sq. In.) was almost identical. Not so.  The Werner paddle seemed to get a
bigger "bite" i.e., it took more effort to propel it through the water, and
get it out but, the stroke rate of the Werner was approx. 1/4 less than the
Lightning. I figured less strokes + better bite would be less tiring, or at
least identical to my Lightning. Again, not so. We both agreed the Lightning,
although it required a higher stroke rate was quite a bit less tiring than the
Werner. Whether this was due entirely to the blades, or not, I don't know. I
have the feeling the relative lightness of the Lightning paddle made quite a
bit of difference too. I'm sure a lot of you knew what the result would be
based on the info provided but I found the experience very educational.
Another great day on the water!





Ron





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