I checked this website...and I cannot help but think that this might be a very fun paddle to play with. Some of the claims made however would not seem substantiated unless these paddles were tested in a laboratory designed especialy for the task. It would seem unlikely, even if they are great paddles, which they may well be. **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? Just curious...for reasons I can explain off line if anyone wants to know. (I am harmless ;) ...but have a professional interest in toxicology.) Mike Orchard Vancouver, Washington > Anyone have any experience with the Derek Hutchinson designed Toksook > paddle . It is an interesting looking paddle and I recently saw it in > use while observing some of his teaching clinics from the shore at the > ECCK festival in Charleston , S.C. > > You can find an information web page here : > http://www.useakayak.org/toksook.html > > It is certainly not a cheap paddle at $300. So - other than price - is > there any controversy about the paddle design from the , to some , > controversial man ? *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> -----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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Aconite poison, derived from the monkshood weed, was used on the tips of harpoons. Once struck home, the whale dives, and after three days would float up to the surface dead. This account is described in George Dyson's Baidarka, on page 46. >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? _________________________________________________________________ Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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