Re: [Paddlewise] Switching paddle types

On Sunday, September 15, 2002, at 12:45:36 PM PST, James Durkin wrote:

> For those with a paddle collection that includes fundamentally
> diverse styles such as the above, do they

> 1) find themselves using just one type and letting the rest gather
> dust,

Since I got my Greenland Paddles, I've only used my trusty old Werner
San Juan for dedicated shore break surfing. I still like the Werner,
and feel comfortable with it, but I much prefer using the GPs for
general paddling.

> or 2) switching back and forth between them as mood and situation
> dictate.

At this point, as I mentioned, I only use my Werner when I'm playing
all day in big surf. The wider blades do offer more immediate power
for fast corrective strokes without having to move my hand position.
On a "normal" paddling day though, which can still include some surf
landings and launchings, I'll only use my Greenland paddles.

> If the answer is "2", just how difficult do you find the transition
> to be? I would imagine, not having tried it, that it would be quite
> a challenge. But not having tried it myself, I don't really know.

Going from years of using an 80 degree feathered "Euro" paddle to
non-feathered Greenland Paddles that require some definite differences
in technique was an interesting and sometimes clumsy experience. After
a couple of weeks though, I became very comfortable with the Greenland
paddles.

Now, switching back and forth between them isn't a problem.  A few
seconds to get used to the different feel, and all is well.

-- 
Melissa

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