At 10:01 PM 7/19/02 -0700, John Blackburn wrote: >Matt put into words my impression when I read this posting, why was the stroke >rate different, and what impact did it have? Last spring I gave an extended tryout to a Whetstone T-2, which is apparently the paddle Paul used. Now, I'm not a scientific type, and rely on gut feelings and subjectivity. But, bottom line, the Whetstone seemed happier at a higher stroke rate than a Whetstone T-1, which has a lower aspect ratio but is similar in length in weight. The higher aspect ratio blade just did not seem to have the bite that the lower one had. The T-2 seemed to respond better to a low-angle Greenland style stroke, but was not as happy at a relaxed pace. I remember one time that I was wallowing along at a relaxed stroke, and said to myself, "Let's get this over with," and picked up the stroke rate. I quickly discovered that the blade could support a stroke rate higher than what I was comfortable with with either the T-1, or a wooden Grey Owl that had virtually the same blade shape, but almost a pound more weight. Yet, on another occasion, paddling into a strong wind on a small lake -- probably 25 mph -- it seemed like I was churning up a froth with it without getting much of anywhere. The higher aspect ratio T-2 was definitely the paddle I would choose if I did most of my paddling at a high speed/stroke rate. Yet, the T-1 seemed to suit me better for all-around use. Why? I don't know. I suspect the aspect ratio of the blade has something to do with it. Yet, the Gray Owl, again, virtually the same blade shape, made a good all-around paddle for a couple of years, and definitely had better bite and acceleration than the T-2, although not as condusive to a high stroke rate. I wound up keeping the lower aspect ratio blade T-1, and sending the T-2 back, although there have been times paddling on flat water and wanting to do it at speed that I wished I'd kept the T-2. It's definitely easier for me to maintain a high stroke rate for a longer distance with the T-2 than it is with the T-1. Go figure. -- Wes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wes Boyd's Kayak Place http://www2.dmci.net/wesboyd/kayak.htm Kayaks for Big Guys (And Gals) | Trip Reports | Places To Go | Boats & Gear --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Jul 20 2002 - 11:06:17 PDT
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