Re: [Paddlewise] [PaddleWise] Paddles

----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Chopelas" <pac_at_premier1.net>

> >Peter wrote:
>
> >IF all other factors were the same, it can be proven [both theoretically
> and experimentally] that a
> higher aspect ratio blade will convert more of the available power into
> thrust
> than will the lower aspect ratio blade.
>
> John Winters wrote:
>
> >Peter, Do you have the tests to prove your statement?
>
SNIPPED:  A LONG ENGINEERING EXPLANATION OF WHY  A LOW ASPECT RATIO PADDLE,
NAMELY A EUROPEAN PADDLE, CREATES VARIOUS DRAGS THAT MAKE THEM INEFFICIENT
VIS-A-VIS HIGH ASPECT RATIO PADDLES SUCH AS GREENLAND ONES

Don't give up on your European paddle quite yet. There is a simple way of
reducing the drag of  a European paddle caused by it being a low Aspect
Ratio paddle:  Drill several strategically placed holes in the blade
surface.  This will have two beneficial effects. One, it will allow some
water to pass thru and this will significantly reduce the build up of drag.
Two, the surfaces removed by the holes will help raise the Aspect Ratio
(span squared divided by surface area) of the European paddle above the
critical Aspect Ratio of 6:1 known as the half dozen factor.

You can make further gains if you take care in the shape andd placement of
the holes themselves.  Avoid drilling round holes. A perfectly round hole
will create a strong reversing vortex that might actually increase drag not
reduce it. The best hole shape would be one with jagged or saw tooth edge
that will break up the water jetting through the hole.  Placement of the
holes?  They should be drilled in a star pattern, the Star of David pattern
being the best because of its intersection of two inversed triangles, a
mystical pattern that should also bring you good luck.

Of course, the easiest way to do all this is to just have your European
paddle manufactured in Greenland. :-)

ralph diaz


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