Re: [Paddlewise] Switching paddle types

In a message dated 9/16/2002 12:02:14 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
melissa_at_bonnyweeboaty.net writes:


> On Monday, September 16, 2002, at 10:29:31 AM PST, Rcgibbert_at_aol.com
> wrote:
> 
> 
> A "sliding stroke" with a GP is really pretty different than sliding
> hands along a euro paddle shaft to achieve some extension/leverage.

So true.
> 
>  but when we're sliding hands along a euro
> paddle shaft, we're effectively only extending the position - away
> from the boat - where we can effectively place our blade in the water
> (without burying a couple extra feet of shaft and putting the blade
> deep under the surface - which could really decrease one's ultimate
> control).


I would liken that to having a 50 pound halibut on the end of a gaff. 

> 
> When a GP blade is buried deep in the water - sliding stroke or not -
> the water side hand is either just on the blade or still fairly close
> to it, and the other hand is comfortably gripping across the width of
> other blade - which gives a great deal of control. If you extend your
> position on a euro paddle shaft, your water side hand is much further
> away from the extended blade, with lots of shaft exposed, and your
> other hand cannot grip the other blade for the same degree of control
> (perhaps just at the very throat, but it's really not the same type of
> comfortable control you can achieve by holding a GP blade in your
> hand).
> 

I think Nick was asking why one might not use the "Euro" in the manner of a 
GP relative to these strokes. I value many of Nick's opinions as well as the 
attitude that gives others the opportunity to justify their beliefs when 
discussing such matters. That being said, I don't feel a "Euro" can do many 
of the things a GP can relative to the discussion. Sure, one might bury the 
blade more deeply, drop the angle of attack lower to help shed wind, etc., 
however, in these spoken of conditions the "euro" seems to pose far more 
challenges and in my hands is not as good.


> While I do find it very useful and effective to move my hands along a
> euro paddle shaft in a variety of ways, and have developed a powerful
> and graceful technique with a euro paddle (if I do say so myself -
> which I did!), I find sliding and extended strokes even more effective
> and graceful when used with a GP.


There you are! So many subtle things can be done by blending the strokes with 
either paddle. I find the simplicity in design of the GP that has not a 
feather, nor control hand, or dihedryl a very attractive paddling tool. I 
have never been in rough water, upside down or generally fussin' about my 
situation and said: Gee, I wish I had my "euro" paddle. Quite the opposite. I 
have been in those situations and wished the trusty ol' GP was there. But 
then again, I'd feel awfully silly with a GP on the river.
> 
> 
Begging your pardon as I know I've thrown alot more than 2 cents at this,

Rob G


***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************