Re: [Paddlewise] Switching paddle types

At 09:33 AM 9/17/02 -0400, Michael Edelman wrote:
>>From: "Matt Broze" <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
>
>>Problems I have with GP's:
>>Wet hands
>
>Interestingly, I've noticed that I get less drip on the deck using my 
>Klatwa than I did with various Werner paddles- all of which have drip 
>rings. The Klatwa seems to pick up less water. This may be because I've 
>waxed the heck out of it. Anyone else have similar experiences?
>
>>Poor slap bracing, must get the GP underwater to get a solid brace (which
>>takes too long)
>>Higher flutter rate (of narrower blades) under high loads make it hard to
>>predict where the paddle blade will be
>
>Technique can fix that. Tilt the paddle so the upper edge leads, and 
>presto- no flutter.
>
>>Slower acceleration when trying to catch a wave to surf (when acceleration
>>is critical)
>>Not as powerful for controlling the kayak when surfing
>
>I'm tempted to say that the right technique can fix this, too, but I 
>suspect it's hard to beat a fat WW paddle for this use.  I'm increasingly 
>more comfortable with the GP, so that's what I tend to use.

I've only been using a GP for about a year and find myself using it more 
frequently.  Last weekend I went out paddling for a few hours.  I started 
with my Euro paddle (a Lightning std touring with, I believe, 75 degree 
feather).  After awhile I landed and stored my euro paddle and did the 
return trip with my GP.  The more I use the GP the easier it gets to switch 
back and forth.

What I've noticed in this discussion is that when deficiencies of a GP are 
pointed out relative to a euro paddle the answer has typically been "the 
right technique can fix this".  Guess what.  The wrong technique causes 
problems no matter what type of paddle one uses.  If a paddler has wrist 
problems, has problems tracking, or an unreliable brace or roll, switching 
to a different paddle isn't going to magically solve all those 
problems.  The "right technique" is something that applies to any kind of 
paddle.

It appears to me, that like wooden boat builders, GP users tend to get a 
bit overzealous in their advocacy of their tools.

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