Re: [Paddlewise] Aleut Paddles

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I find that my pseudo Aleut blade is great for cruising, it is a very fast 
blade, it locks into the water with no flutter, whe used right, but flutters 
all over the place when used backwards.  It is fast, but for rolling and 
maneuvering I need to remember that it is directional, using the wrong face 
to do things, can mess me up.  I would guess it is similar to a wing blade 
in this regard.


>From: Shawn Baker <shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com>
>Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Aleut Paddles
>
>I've only ever tried one once.  P'wiser Mike Hanks (Mike, you reading
>this?) has built one or two.  He told me they're a lot better for
>speed, and good, but not as good for rolling than GP's.
>
>Aleut paddles are symmetrical side-to-side and top-bottom, but there is
>a power face and a back face.  A skilled Aleut paddler was reportedly
>able to keep a baidarka going 8-9 knots, consistently with one of these
>paddles.
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