>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 _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> > >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 I believe that Gregg Stamer answers many questions concerning paddles and paddling by suggesting that the use of a knotmeter provides valuable feedback to aid in paddling technique (and paddle selection ) . I find it nearly impossible to evaluate my own performance without the nearly instantaneous feedback provided by the knotmeter. Of course, you can use a professional to observe and offer suggestions or you can use video recordings to help self evaluation, but again, I find the speedometer more effective and faster. At my age, nearly 73, I prefer the immediate feedback. Up until last year I was racing against 50 year olds and frequently came in first or second. I credit the use of the knotmeter for any success. Joe S *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:22 PDT