RE: [Paddlewise] Toksook paddles and Poison Darts?

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net 
> [mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net] On Behalf Of Michael Orchard
> **On the same site under "collectables" was a piece of art 
> called "hunting with poison darts" (i think).  Does anyone 
> know if poison darts were used in whale hunting and if so 
> what the poison substance was, and where the heck it came from?
> 

Michael,

Page 2 of this article
http://www.uscg.mil/D17/loranattu/Attu_Welcome_Aboard_Text.pdf says: 

Aconite poison was made from the flower monkshood. This poison was
used on spear and javelin points to kill whales which would eventually
float ashore.

Hope this helps.

As far as lab testing of the Toksook is concerned, I think you're
right-it hasn't been done. On a subjective basis, I can tell you I
really like it, in spite of the weight. It's very forgiving and gives an
unbelievable amount of support. While several of my friends have broken
numerous paddles of various manufacturers, I only know of one Toksook
that had the shaft snap, and it was replaced at no charge--that was not
the case with the other paddles.

It does take some getting used to. The first time I tried one I handed
it back to the owner and said "no thanks. Why would I want to spend $300
for a paddle that is almost twice as heavy as my current one and a 90
deg feather to boot.

Then I was given one to use during a class being conducted by Derek H
and Wayne Horodowich. I tried to hand it back after a few minutes but
Wayne told me to keep using it (besides, he had my other paddle on his
boat now). When we broke for lunch, I called my wife to see if the
plastic could stand a paddle being charged on it. I haven't regretted
that purchase once.

Steve Holtzman
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