Re: [Paddlewise] [PaddleWise] Flexing in Paddle Shafts

Erik wrote:
>
> Do paddle shafts *have to* have good flex characteristics?....but I don't
recall reading why a paddle shaft *has* to flex.
> ....  less flex means more efficient paddling.


I think perhaps a bit of flex acts as a kind of shock absorber to ease the
load on the joints and muscles (especially noticeable at the end of a long
day of paddling).  If it acted like an "ideal" spring, you would recover the
energy input from the beginning of the stroke (flexing the shaft) at the end
(when it unflexes).  But neither wood nor composite make efficient springs
in general compared to metal because they have more internal friction (some
of your muscle energy goes into heating the shaft with each flex).  But on
the other hand, a very stiff shaft would also weigh more, meaning you would
put more work into lift and lowering the shaft with each stroke.

For sprints, I imagine very stiff shafts would be most important since you
want to get as much power transferred to the water to get as much forward
speed as possible, and though it may not be the most efficient way to go, it
produces maximum speed for short distances.  I have tested very stiff racing
paddles and they did not seem like they would be comfortable over long
distances compared to "softer" paddle.

So it would seem there would be a balance for comfort, weight, and stiffness
that would be optimum, which likely varies with each individual, the type of
paddling you do, each paddle design, and each material.  So take your pick.

Wood is traditional.  I like the look and feel of wood, and it costs next to
nothing to make a traditional paddle from wood, which is more than enough
reasons for me to use wood.

Peter

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