Re: [Paddlewise] wing theory

> And that brings us to biomechanical efficiency. By experimenting with
> the tradeoff between blade size/paddle length and rate, you can find the
> optimum combination for you to transfer maximum power *over time*.
>
> -- mike

This seems to be sound advice, except for those of us who don't have easy
access to a wide range of paddles with different lengths, blade size, shape,
etc.  In my household we have a) two short "recreational" paddles we bought
with our Scramblers - one piece, unfeathered, heavy as all get out; b) a
long (240cm?) $30 paddle from Campmor; and c) a long, large carbon fiber
paddle from Whetstone.  Based on that sample the Whetstone is wonderful and
I like it very much.

But now I want to buy a paddle for my wife.  I'm 6'4", she's 5'8".  I've
never had a problem with repetitive stress injuries; she has fibromyalgia
and often endures painful flareups of her hands, wrists, and forearms.

I want to buy her a light paddle that places minimal stress on her body.
However, she's also quite strong, and I don't want to buy her something too
"wimpy" and have her wish she had something a little more powerful.

I doubt if we'll be able to find a range of paddles to try; she's going to
have a hard time fitting paddling into her busy life.  I'm hoping we can
find the perfect paddle based on people's advice and the research I can do,
buy it, and go paddling.

Therefore, I'm interested in all of these theoretical discussions about
paddles, efficiency, etc., as well as their practical applications.  Keep
'em coming.

Anyone have any advice for my wife and I?


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