At 7:56 AM +1000 7/26/02, PeterO wrote: > >How useful are conclusions about the efficiency of a paddle, using analyses >which ignore the paddler? Are modern computational methods adequate to >assess paddler/paddle combinations, bearing in mind the huge number of >variables? I believe theres still a place for subjective assessment and >craftsmanship based on experience rather than quantitation? I suspect we >have a few years to go before computer algorithms and understanding of >bio-mechanics are up to the task, but would be interested to hear of >progress in this area. The value of analyzing the paddle while ignoring the paddler is, the paddle is relatively easy to analyze. (not that it is easy, just easier than trying to generalize about people.) The reason to do it is to separate the performance of the paddle from the performance of the person. Often when people switch from on paddle to another many other factors also change. They may change their technique, the weight of the paddle may change. Changing from 230 cm plastic, wide bladed, mass produced paddle to a 215 cm, hand made, narrow bladed, wood paddle involves many changes that have little to do with how efficient the paddle is at propelling the boat forward. The length difference alone will require a significantly different stroke technique. A lighter paddle will just be easier to hold even if you don't try to paddle with it. The longer paddle will require more force use just do to the longer lever arm. And people just aesthetically like the look and feel of wood and showing some marks of being hand made can add to the enjoyment. This can go double if you made it yourself. People often attribute all the perceived difference to just the most obvious visible difference. So, if a narrow paddle feels easier than a wide bladed paddle it must be because the blade is narrow. This is the typical conclusion even if there are many other differences that will have a similar impact on the feel of the paddle, such as weight, length, or blade shape and thickness. By analyzing how the paddle actually works you can separate out those aspects of performance that make a difference in the feel of the paddle. And by knowing how a paddle really works you can do things in a logical manner to make the paddle even better. The alternative is to try random paddles until you happen on one you like. In the end the paddle that feels best to you is the one that is best, analysis is just a short cut around a lot of trial and error. -- Nick Schade Guillemot Kayaks 824 Thompson St Glastonbury, CT 06033 (860) 659-8847 *************************************************************************** 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 Fri Jul 26 2002 - 06:54:20 PDT
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