Re: [Paddlewise] Switching paddle types

From: Shawn Baker <shawnkayak_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 17 Sep 2002 08:14:31 -0700 (PDT)
"Matt Broze" <mkayaks_at_oz.net> wrote:
>How about, because I'd like to keep my reflexive brace.

I sure don't like switching back and forth.  I can do it, but prefer
not to.  You can do a reactive brace (hit the water, and then react to
the tactile clues in the paddle shaft and scull or rotate accordingly),
but it's not a true reflexive brace if your hard wiring doesn't tell
you where the blade is.

You bring up good (and true) points.

>Problems I have with GP's:
>Wet hands

I got used to it.  I wear a hat, and wet hands don't get too cold.  But
yes, they're wet.

>Poor slap bracing, must get the GP underwater to get a solid brace 
>(which takes too long)

If you have to get the GP underwater farther, possibly it's because
your inboard hand is too high.  Get your hands wet, the paddle will be
flatter, and you'll get your support at the surface.

I don't think low slap bracing is any worse than with a Euro.  The high
brace does need to be sculled to be as effective.  Takes a little
longer, but is no less effective, maybe more effective, since you can
slow it down as needed and complete a smooth, fluid recovery.  With a
high braced Euro, you 'slap-head dink-hipsnap' Bam!Bam!Bam!, and if
your timing is off, you get to do it again.

>Higher flutter rate (of narrower blades) under high loads make it hard

>to predict where the paddle blade will be

Canted stroke takes care of this.  It's not as forgiving as a sloppy
Euro stroke, for sure.

>Slower acceleration when trying to catch a wave to surf (when 
 acceleration is critical)

Agreed.

>Not as powerful for controlling the kayak when surfing

I don't think rudders are any different than Euros....wet hands....

Shawn


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Received on Tue Sep 17 2002 - 08:14:36 PDT

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