At 12:16 p.m. 11/06/03 -0700, Steve Brown wrote: >Although there is no question in my mind as to the outcome, the way to >prove this is not through mathematics, but through measurements. >By measuring the force x distance applied to different paddles when >propelling a particular boat at a particular speed, one could answer the >question definitively. Unfortunately, the instrumentation required for >that would be fairly complex, and may inhibit normal use of the paddles. Gaining knowledge can be achieved through different means and one good approach that will give quantitative results, to be interpreted later by theory would be the STATISTICAL APPROACH. Since this is such a difficult subject, and is repeating itself without new input, it is possible to suggest that... 10 or 20 paddlers get together with the different paddles at hand, giving each one the paddle that has the length he usually uses. Randomly give them different paddles, time their round trip, allow them to rest in between trials, give some factor of doubt to the fact that at their last trial they may be more tired than in the first. (This can be done by having him paddle with the same paddle twice at the first half of his trial and at the second half and average the result). Plot the results and get a value for the best paddles and work out an explanation from there. Weather conditions will have to stay more or less similar, or if they change the sampling must be increased to more paddlers or different days. Some paddlers will be faster always and some others slower always, so some inferences on paddling style associated with paddle shape could be also obtained. A kayaking club with good number of regular assistants could do the test and would lead to invaluable information. After that two things can be done. 1.- Give the plots to theoreticians to work a model. 2.- Have the plots ready for the next time this issue is questioned in this list. Best Regards, Rafael www.mayanseas.com *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Jun 11 2003 - 13:04:28 PDT
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