Re: [Paddlewise] Switching paddle types

From: Michael Edelman <mje_at_spamcop.net>
Date: Tue, 17 Sep 2002 08:14:50 -0400
Ralph Diaz wrote

 > roll with.  However, I was wondering whether a Greenland paddle has the
 > sheer power to get you out of a jam...

I wondered, too.  A couple of weeks ago I went surfing with my K-1 in 
some gentle (3') surf off Point Pelee, and before going out the first 
time I swapped my Klatwa for a spare Werner Little Dipper (old larger 
model) off a partner's boat, more for the strength than the paddle area. 
My impression was that I didn't really need to; using good Greenland 
technique (at least as good as I can manage) the Klatwa was just as 
effective in making the quick turns on the swells and making corrections 
on the way in.

Not surprising, really. The wetted area of a Greenland paddle is not 
significantly different from a typical European style paddle, and using 
techniques like angling the leading edge forward and extending the 
paddle outward provide plenty of power.

I do think I'd like a composite Greenland paddle for those times when 
some extra strength might be indicated, though. I have an old Werner 
Arctic Wind (and would love to find another!) but I'd like to find 
something with a more traditional shape.

-- mike
-----------------------------------
Michael Edelman   medelman_at_ameritech.net
http://www.foldingkayaks.org
http://www.findascope.com



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Received on Tue Sep 17 2002 - 05:15:19 PDT

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