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From: AJ Mallory <amallory_at_Pawsable.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] Paddle Grip?
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2002 00:35:50 -0800
While we are all talking about paddle grips let me chime in with a question
or two of my own. In the limited paddling I have done I have found it
comfortable to have my thumb on top of the paddle shaft with the rest of my
fingers. I guess it leaves my fingers underneath the shaft to hold the
paddle in place (and saves me from blisters). My questions; Is this an
acceptable way to paddle? Would it put to much stress on ones hands on a
long trip? Is there anyone who can recommend this "style" or not recommend
it?

--AJ
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From: Kees van der Meij <keesvdm_at_xs4all.nl>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle Grip?
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2002 15:03:52 +0100
> In the limited paddling I have done I have found it
> comfortable to have my thumb on top of the paddle shaft with the rest of
my
> fingers. I guess it leaves my fingers underneath the shaft to hold the
> paddle in place (and saves me from blisters). My questions; Is this an
> acceptable way to paddle? Would it put to much stress on ones hands on a
> long trip? Is there anyone who can recommend this "style" or not recommend
> it?

I normally hold my paddle with opposed thumbs, but when my hands get a bit
sore or tired I occasionally hold it in the way described here, just for
variation. As this grip is less secure (or at least feels less so), I switch
back whenever I can, and never use it in more demanding circumstances.

Kees

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From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle Grip?
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2002 11:31:16 -0500
From: "AJ Mallory" <amallory_at_Pawsable.com>

> My questions; Is this an
> acceptable way to paddle? Would it put to much stress on ones hands on a
> long trip? Is there anyone who can recommend this "style" or not recommend
> it?

Like Kees, I also use this when the paddle pressure on my middle thumb
joint starts to irritate.  And like Kees, I do it for variation and 
it is not advisable for high wind conditions unless you've got big
hands and can get a solid grip with just your fingers.

If it makes paddling easier and it doesn't compromise safety, I see
no reason not to use it myself or not to recommend it to others.

Mike
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