Re: [Paddlewise] Motion of control hand in feathering

As John experiments he writes back his findings:
>>After learning the conventional practice of keeping a constant grip on the
control hand and cocking it back to stroke on the opposite side, I noticed
that my natural response to controlling a feathered paddle was to rotate and
re-grip the paddle on both sides, so that neither hand has a fixed grip. Is
there any downside to this? Orienting the paddle doesn't seem to be a
problem
with an oval shaft.>>

Another can o' worms, I can see already!!!  =:-o)

At Alder Creek we left the ol' technique of gripping the paddle with the
*control* hand and cocking it back 6 or 7 years ago.  This puts way too much
stress on the *control* hand.  The technique of right hand controls right
blade, left controls left is pretty natural, as you seem to have found out,
intuitively. Both hands have the same job.  This technique is simple to
teach the beginner and makes the feathered/ non-feathered issue less of an
issue.  This makes for a relaxed grip and allows some movement and freedom
for BOTH hands.  I like to think of the paddle stroke, even with a feathered
paddle, as symmetric.

Steve _at_ home
aldercreek.com


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