Re: [Paddlewise] Paddles (again)

From: <FoldingBoats_at_aol.com>

> 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. 

This was well described in a post on the Qajaq USA forum.  However, I still
haven't noticed much force on the last phase of the stroke.  Maybe for racing,
but I don't bother with that most of the time.

> Is the angle of attack as small as I think I observe? 

I'm only guessing as to the angle of attack on the diagrams.  It might be
higher.  As far as observing from the kayak - since water is transparent,
I don't rely on anything I think I see.

As far as tank testing goes, I've been thinking of a way to do this.  When
I did my engineering degree, we were required to do a research and/or 
development project in the final year (one or two terms depending on the 
student).  If there's a university prof with a budget and a couple of 
undergrads needing a fluid mechanics project, this might be one way to
get it done.  I was going to approach a couple of local universities, but
recent changes in my life make that look impossible for the coming year.
We'll see.

Mike

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