Re: [Paddlewise] "Regular" paddle stroke

Michael Daly wrote:
> 
> > and now for something completely different-  I was taught (ACA/BCU) the
> > the primary sweep power is at the bow til 2:00, forward from 2-4:00,
> > then strong sweep from 4-6:00.
> 
> Now is that based on the biomechanics (i.e. the muscle action) of the stroke
> (something I completely, and deliberately ignored in my statement)?  It sounds
> like it's based on the misconception that the blade direction and nearness to the
> ends of the kayak generate the turning moment.
> 
> Imagine that you are the kayak and you feel something making you turn.  What is
> it?  You can't see the paddle so you don't know about it.  All you feel is the paddler's
> backside, hips, knees/thighs and feet.  What does it matter where the paddle is?
> All the paddle forces feed back through the paddler into the kayak.  Unless there's
> a reason that the paddler is doing better (- the biomechanics I'm ignoring for lack of
> knowledge) the paddle orientation in a uniform sweep is irrelevant.

Michael makes an excellent point about the blindness of the kayak. It
doesn't know where the paddle is, it just reacts to the forces exerted
by your butt, knees, and feet. I have noticed that when my sweep doesn't
seem to be working, it's because I'm thinking about what my paddle is
doing (really, it's not doing anything, just pressing against the water)
and not my knee, which is what actually turns the boat. 

As to the sweep, the biomechanics really can't be ignored. I've just
been gedankening around here in my swivel chair. If I rotate forwards
and grab then corner of the desk, I can spin myself around very
forcefully...Wheeee...Uh, oh, wait a minute until the vertigo passes....

Yes, well, as I was saying, if I now reach straight out to the side and
try to spin the chair, it's much less forceful, as I can't recruit the
torso nearly as much. Before you bring it up, yes, I do know the
difference between an office chair and a kayak; the latter is more
comfortable. :)

-- 
Steve

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