"Misisco, David J" wrote: > > To All; > > As a physicist, I just can't resist staying out of this conversation stream any longer. There are just too many factors involved to clearly define speed using stroke rate. I think that the discussions have implied many more factors than just stroke rate. > Chaos itself, at this level of physics can have a significant effect on speed. Each time the paddle enters the water it does so as a >slightly different angle. There may be a small change in rotation of the wrist from stroke to stroke. The wind changes from moment to >moment, current, even changes in water temperature and salinity as these factors will effect buoyancy. I am sure there are many factors that aren't being covered here, but this is the place to bring them up. As the above points are difficult to quantify, probably no more than a mention is sufficient. >Just too complicated. Fun to discuss, but meaningless except under the most controlled conditions. surprises me that a physicist would say this, but it seems that the sciences always develop a pretense when the lay people invade their territory. >Technique is key, but even the best technique delivered every time cannot guarantee the same speed through the water every time. Technique is definitely one of the keys, perhaps equipment may have something to do with it, perhaps physique, etc. What seems to be a given is that there are some people out there that consistently paddle faster than others in diverse conditions. To some of us, the discovery of this extends the conversation from "fun, but meaningless" to something which may have application outside of :controlled conditions". BTW, John Winters as a naval architect is pretty well known for his experimentation in "controlled conditions", Matt Broze for his vast knowledge/personal experience, and both of them being able to communicate it lucidly. > -- gabriel l romeu ø http://studiofurniture.com ø ø http://journalphoto.org ø ø http://kayakoutfitting.org ø ø http://kayaknavigation.com ø *************************************************************************** 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 - 17:38:08 PDT
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