Re: [Paddlewise] Switching paddle types

At 2:31 PM -0400 9/17/02, Rcgibbert_at_aol.com wrote:
>
>I think the argument stands that you can do most if not all with a "euro" as
>opposed to a GP. Based on the discussion of GP capability getting one out of
>a jam it does it very well. (Windy conditions and rough seas driving one into
>a pier, were the posed conditions.) Much of my claim to the GP's (percieved?)
>superiority was rooted in the reduction of wind shear, the blades excellent
>tactile feedback or indexing for sliding strokes sometimes necessary to get
>out of the supposed jam. I believe you suggested that the "euro's"blades were
>not comfortable to grip and one wouldn't want to do that in extending that
>blade. Added wind susceptability? of course. Whether or not one might mimic a
>technique and translate it to another tool I would suggest it might possibly
>come at less efficiency. Assuming it is feathered, there would be a control
>hand involved and round, egg shaped or not it seems quite a stretch to say it
>would be as fluid as a sliding stroke with the already well described GP
>technique.

The reason to do a sliding stroke is to get more power out of a 
single stroke. You state that this is sometimes required for the 
paddle to get out of a jam. However, the typical euro paddle has this 
power without the need for a sliding stroke. They are used in 
whitewater after all. If a sliding stroke is needed, it would be 
hoped that it does it well. But if it is not needed, it is still 
beneficial if it is possible.

Why is it a stretch to think that a sliding stroke couldn't be as 
fluid as with a GP. With a GP your hand needs to open up, with a euro 
it doesn't. A barely perceptible cocking of the wrist takes care of 
the feathering, and you just let the shaft slide. I guess it depends 
on what you consider fluid, but you seem to suggest the euro sliding 
stroke is as graceful as a pig on rollerskates. As with the GP, with 
practice it is very fluid and effortless. Sure it takes practice, but 
it does with a GP as well.
Nick
-- 
Nick Schade
Guillemot Kayaks
824 Thompson St
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 659-8847
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