Peter wrote: >IF all other factors were the same, it >can be proven [both theoretically and probably experimentally] that a higher >aspect ratio blade will convert more of the available power into thrust than >will the lower aspect ratio blade. Peter, Do you have the tests to prove your statement? Harold wrote: >All the discussions seem to assume that the power output is all going to >drive the boat forward at a constant speed. However, the boat/paddler mass >is alternately being accelerated by the paddle stroke and then decelerating >between strokes. Not so. The discussions that I have read seem to deal with paddle velocity not stroke rate. The two differ. You can pick up the cadence or slow the cadence and still have the same paddle velocity. Admittedly the two (rate and blade velocity) often go hand in hand but they need not and for discussions of paddle efficiency one has to focus on blade velocity and not stroke rate rate. Nick wrote: >I agree with what John is saying here it may leave the >impression to some that a paddle that has more "slippage" than >another is better. I don't think this is what John is saying, but it >may read that way to some. While more "slippage" from a given paddle >usually implies more power, a paddle that is inherently more >"slippery" will not generate as much forward thrust for the amount of >energy the paddler applies to the paddle Right and I apologise to anyone who got that impression. Slippage is like salt. some is essential and more may be desirable but too much spoils the meal. Cheers, John Winters *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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