Re: [Paddlewise] GP Sufficient power? (was: Switching paddle types)

From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2002 12:56:42 -0400
----- Original Message -----
From: "Shawn Baker" <shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com>

> Like Melissa, I haven't used my GP in dedicated surfing, but have used
> it for everything else.  There are folks like Steve Scherrer or Greg
> Stamer who use their stick for pritnear everything. (If there's a
> deficiency, it's the paddler, not the paddle) The only place the GP is
> slower is in that first acceleration stroke or two when you're really
> trying to horse the boat.  If you're 6" from the pier, you might want a
> wide-bladed paddle.  If you're 6' from the pier, you can get away, even
> in gale winds, just as quickly with the "stick".

That was my basic question and thanks to all who replied like Shawn did just
above especially his point later in his response about really digging the GP
paddle down into the water to your hand to get a lot more power.  Plus all
who mentioned the sliding stroke.  I think the digging the paddle fully in
probably would work better for when you are indeed being pushed into
something by wind or wakes and need to dig out in a hurry.  I am not sure
that the sliding stroke will give you quite the frantic effort and high
cadence that you would get in the Shawn suggested method.  The slide method
seems to be more of a touring one for long distances when you have already
hit a good speed and momentum.

ralph

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Received on Mon Sep 16 2002 - 09:55:19 PDT

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