Re: [Paddlewise] Paddles (again)

In a message dated 7/31/2002 11:25:13 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
michaeldaly_at_rogers.com writes:

> In "Rolling with Maligiaq", he shows approximately a forty degree angle on 
> the blade.  That's roughly the angle I've been using all year and have no 
> problem.  You have to apply the pull to the paddle pretty much straight aft 
> and let the paddle find its way.  I find this technique allows me to 
> control the angle of the paddle as well, from a low stroke to a high 
> (nearly vertical) stroke.  It seems to be the most comfortable way to 
> paddle for me.

It is possible, with the blade canted forward as described, to let the blade 
slice into the water, building aft-ward force on the shaft until this force 
it reaches a brief maximum when the blade is fully immersed, and then to 
slice the blade back out (at approximately the same cant angle!) with 
decreasing aft-ward and have a positive angle of attack during all three 
(unequal!) phases of this (half-) stroke despite the switch in leading edge. 
I'll leave the discovery of details of the movements of the various parts of 
the paddler's body to achieve this blade path to the individual (a 
description would end up as a long narrative, boring for those not interested 
in the subject, while a little trial and error will quickly show a workable 
technique to those who are interested).

Is this a useful stroke? Works for me as part of my general repertoire. I'd 
love to hear from others experimenting along these lines. 

Is the angle of attack as small as I think I observe? Only tank testing with 
John Winters will tell ... sometime out there in the dim distant future, 
perhaps.

Best regards,
Ralph

Ralph_at_PouchBoats.com
www.PouchBoats.com

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