G'Day, Thanks for all the responses - forgive me if I don't reply individually today as I'm about to go on a trip. I appreciate the issues raised and will try to address them concisely though none of my answers are mean't to be strong points of view. Using a fixed set of paddles reduces one set of variables but introduces others. For example the variability associated with learning to use an unfamiliar paddle. Until the measurements are analysed we don't know which would have more effect on data noise. Both approaches could have advantages. The use of a variety of paddles may have some advantages - a non linear relationship between 'aspect ratio' and speed might improve the 'signal to noise'. For example if a significant effect is more evident at an extreme value you have a chance of seeing it. Using a fixed set of paddles doesn't give you this opportunity. It could be interesting to carry out tests at one or more symposia. Theres a large club meeting in November over here. It could also be worthwhile to carry out tests via email. No reason not to do both. Regarding testing on flat water. I agree, though its necessary to decide what is flat (less than 0.5m waves?). It would also be necessary to select water without current or organise the tests so paddling is downstream then upstream and average the results. Regarding Olympic racing tests - I expect they have been done but have they been done across the population of paddlers - and can such results be extrapolated to the general population of paddlers trying to paddle efficiently? If the effect of paddle aspect ratio could be swamped by noise across the general population of paddlers does it mean it is not an important effect except for racers? Of course we don't actually know that the effect would be swamped by noise. I really appreciate comments and will start to build them into a protocol to present in early July. All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** 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 Thu Jun 12 2003 - 15:22:45 PDT
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