Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle advice for the wife) (was wing theory)

On 9 Jun 2003 at 19:47, Matt wrote:

> I wrote:
> > > paddlers because they tend to pry one hand open on the push side of
> > > your non-feathering hand.
> 
> Mike responded:
> >I always open my hands on both sides, so I've never noticed
> >such a thing.  If you set the feather to the correct angle for your stroke,
> > there's no need to have a control hand.<<<<<<<<<
> 
> Just where was it that I wrote I had a "control hand" again. I think
> you are misinterpreting what I wrote.

Well I couldn't figure out what you meant by "non-feathering hand".  
Even with your explanation below, the above sentence isn't clear. 

> I open my hand on the push side too but on one side the bent shaft
> angles downward from the thumb on the push side (and is quite
> comfortable since that what my hand would prefer to do), but the other
> side pries the outside edge of my hand upwards and pushes my thumb
> downwards even though I have my hand open and my pointing fingers
> forward. This forces my wrist to twist or my elbow to swing up and
> out.

I can't reproduce this with my paddle at the angles I use, however, 
when I open it up to 75 degrees or more I start to see your problem.  
We don't get those kinds of Pacific winds here on the Great Lakes 
very often and when we do, I switch to my storm paddle, so the 
feather angle isn't an issue for me.  If the tool ain't right, change 
the tool :-)

Mike

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