Re: [Paddlewise] paddles

>I noticed it's not only rounding the ends but to keep the tip edges as 
>sharp as possible.
SNIP
>I usually try to start the stroke with less power and increase to maximum 
>when approaching the middle of the stroke and decrease to the end. When 
>getting the paddle out, I try to have no power in it. I start with the 
>upper edge of the blade tilted slighly backward, and turn the blade during 
>the stroke so the upper edge is tilted slighly forward when maximum power 
>is on the paddle and even more tilted when getting the blade out of the 
>water ("Rolling with Maligiaq" shows the technique).

Gerald,

Many of the paddles that I tried at a training camp in SW Greenland were 
very sharp-edged with thin tips, and subjectively they gave a stronger bite 
than achieved with my paddle with 1/4" rounded edges. I will experiment with 
similar features on future paddles that I create.

Your stroke is similar to what I perform, however I initiate the catch with 
the blade slightly tilted forward and the forward tilt increases as the 
stroke progresses. I find the canted blade at the catch causes the blade to 
bury quickly and cleanly (very little air drawn behind the blade) and 
eliminates flutter. I allow for an easy, relaxed catch (if you try to reach 
far forward your wrist may cock and the top edge of the paddle will be 
vertical or tilt backward) and then expend my effort in the last 3/4 of the 
stroke. Rather than decreasing power on the exit, Maligiaq Padilla showed me 
the benefit of emphasizing the exit, and a number of the Greenlanders appear 
to really "pop" the canted paddle during the exit, to derive a "kick".

A variation that I was shown in Greenland is to take a very long stroke, 
with the forward tilt increasing fairly slowly until close to the exit where 
the blade is rapidly tilted forward until it is almost horizontal. Much of 
this motion is achieved by the pushing hand punching downward, toward the 
deck. To withdraw the blade, it is not lifted upwards, but sliced forward, 
similar to what you mention. There are a wealth of different paddling styles 
in Greenland.

My stroke continues to evolve over time. I find a knotmeter to be invaluable 
for helping to determine what really works, as "feel" can easily fool you.

Greg Stamer
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