[Paddlewise] Fw: paddle analysis expectations

skimmer wrote:

> >For me, the only issue of interest concerns
> > whether or not one paddle or another allows the engine driving the
> > boat at some constant speed for some fixed distance to do so with
> > greater efficiency.

 This is exactly the right question to ask.

> >That means doing less work with one paddle than
> > with another to achieve that constant speed over the fixed distance.
> >
>
 Exactly right again.
>
> > Do you believe that such a difference, if it exists, will be
> > detectable?
>
 It is easily detectable.  I have just done an experiment with the following
 paddles, all of which I have owned for many years and all of which I am
used
 to:  A 216 cm Descente, big blade paddle,  a 230 cm narrow blade old style
 Werner Little Dipper, a 231 cm AT bent shaft paddle.  I paddled the same
 distance with each at a hard but comfortable pace without looking at the
 watch until I finished.  The distance was about 4 nautical miles and my
time
for each trial was 50 minutes, plus or minus 1 minute, or an average
slightly over 4 kts.  I did not try to match the times; it just turned out
 that way.  Results?  I was far more tired using the 216 Descente than
either
 of the other two.  It was not a subtle difference, but dramatic.  The AT
was
 also clearly more efficient than the Little Dipper, but the difference was
 not that dramatic.

 Someone else, with a different body type, different techniques would
 probably come to different conclusion.  But there is no doubt in my mind
 that anyone trying a similar experiment would easily determine which paddle
 was most efficient for him.

 Jerry
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