Re: [Paddlewise] Duh, what is a wing paddle?

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_rogers.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2003 01:04:59 -0400
On 9 Jun 2003 at 20:42, Kirk Olsen wrote:

> On Mon, 9 Jun 2003 16:12:16 -0500, "Gordon Snapp"
> <grsnapp_at_charter.net> said:

> > But I have to admit, I don't think I know exactly what a wing paddle
> > is. Could someone give a definition?  Thanks!
> 
> A wing or propeller paddle is shaped more like an airplane propeller.
> The top of the blade is curved back and the blade itself is cupped and
> has a twist in it.  The blade is also offset from shaft of the paddle.

Most wing paddles look like the ones in the pictures Kirk referred 
you to, however, there are a few around that are not twisted.  If I 
understand it correctly, the original designs were not twisted and 
the twist was added later.  IIRC, one is referred to as Swedish and 
the other Norwegian, but I don't remember which is which.

There's also one that looks significantly different than this and is 
not common in racing - the  Schleicher from Nimbus paddles.
It's not a thin, hollowed blade, but a thicker blade.  The photo at
http://www.nimbuspaddles.com/graphite.html
doesn't capture the shape - you have to see it; odd looking beast.  
I've played with one in the shop, but never on the water.  It 
supposedly has better handling for sculling and bracing.

Mike

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Received on Mon Jun 09 2003 - 22:00:53 PDT

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