Re: [Paddlewise] Advantages of the high aspect ratio paddle?

Michael Daly wrote:
> 
> From: "Gabriel L Romeu" <romeug_at_erols.com>
> 
> > I was surprised to read about the buoyancy factor of the stick as an
> > assist to rolling, but knowing Harvey's immersion in the study of
> > traditional craft and very thoughtful analysis, would never argue.
> 
> Sounds like a safe assumption, though I've been suspicious of the
> bouyancy benefits (with the exception of a floating-paddle assisted
> hand roll).

One definite advantage of of the floatation is the aid to indexing-
quick work in getting positioned. 
> 
> >
> > I had always surmised that the less critical blade angle in the
> > traditional paddle were a great help in assisting beginners  achieve a
> > roll, and is the major advantage.
> 
> That may be it.
> 
> I've practiced rolling with several different paddles - all so-called Euro style.
> 
> Sabella (borrowed) - sweeps very nicely but lacks power in a C-C
> 
> Aquabound Expedition - my most reliable SK paddle for rolling.  Predictable and
> rarely dives.
> 
> Perception (Harmony) Sea Passage - all around mediocre paddle with a pronounced
> tendency to dive when sweep-rolling.  I hate it (this came with my first SK)
> 
> Ainsworth WW paddle (bought 2nd hand from a rental place - has an aluminum edge) -
> this is without question the rolling champ.  It never dives and has lots of bite for a C-C.
> Heavy as all get out and indestructable - great for bottom rolls and developing arm strength!
> 
> Lendal Archipelago - too new to really know.  I rolled with it once - felt like the Aquabound.
> The crankshaft made a blind setup a breeze.
> 
> Mohawk canoe paddle.  Super setup with a T grip but awful feel in a sweep.  Rolls ok
> though.
> 
> Hmm... all euro, all different.  I don't know if there's a definite pattern that would allow us to
> draw a conclusion that says they're bad and traditional are, by default, good.

Agreed Mike, generalizations/stereotypes are always suspect, never
accurate.  My comments were based from a fairly limited experience and
lots of discussion with pretty experienced people-  argument of
authority, another fallacy.  But, speaking from the perspective of a
euro paddler, I found the Greenland configuration to be far easier to
roll with and the people experienced generally have quite a larger
variety of different rolls compared to an experienced euro paddler. 
Not necessarily better rollers though.  I am not making a value
judgment, too many great paddlers (far better than me) use a great
variety of paddles to achieve their bliss. 
> 
> Note that the thick-edged Ainsworth is the least likely to dive.  Some of the traditional Greenland
> style paddles have thick or rounded edges.  Coincidence?  Possibly not.  A "soft" leading edge
> won't grab in a sweep and dive like a knife-edged blade.
> 
> The Sea Passage is the lowest aspect ratio of the SK paddles and is least stable - perhaps the
> diving is related to the flutter characteristics.  The Sabella has the highest ratio and sweeps lovely
> with good lift in spite of a small area (If CD ever puts a variable feather on their crank shaft, I'm
> getting one of these!)
> 
> I'll let you know how I feel about my storm paddle in a roll if I ever find the time to sand and oil it.
> I expect I'll like it; it has all the characteristics of a decent rolling paddle - good sweep
> characteristics (long, high aspect ratio), soft leading edge etc.  The roughly 80 sq.in. blade
> means it won't do wonders in a brace roll, though.

I don't believe I have seen anyone attempt a c-c roll with a stick-
seems to relate more to a sweep.  interestingly, it is difficult to bury
the traditional blade perpendicular to the boat and parallel with the
water without capsizing.  Seems to complement a low rather than a high
brace on a low decked boat.  this is something that Harvey or Greg could
probably give a better opinion.  

I would be very interested in your reaction to the storm paddle.  You
obviously have some good analytical experience.

-- 
‡    Gabriel L Romeu   ‡
‡    http://studiofurniture.com  +  /diary     or     /paint    ‡
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