Matt wrote: >If you troll a little deeper by telling us >why you think a 9' paddle is the best choice >for you, I for one just might take the bait. G'Day Matt and Paddlewise, There are at least three serious downsides to using a shorter paddle. 1. You don't get enough exercise with a short paddle 2. A nine foot paddle does not tempt one into the antisocial practice of storing in the car to keep it out of the rain. 3. A nine foot paddle is better value for money - more paddle per dollar On a more controversial note:~) I know that modern practice including my own is to use a short paddle with a vertical racing stroke and yet some sea kayakers using a low angle stroke and long paddle do seem to get along quite quickly. Is it possible that a short but more forceful low angle stroke takes advantage of the mechanical advantage of the long paddle. I say short because then presumably the paddle blade is working parallel to the boat and the blade might travel through the water faster than with a shorter paddle. Having said this I would find it a very uncomfortable stroke, but maybe it would suit some people with limited movement or flexibility. Perhaps it could be also useful with a boat that requires the extra stability that a long paddle might bring in rough water. I could go on but will spare you further argument! 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 Sat May 15 2004 - 02:40:03 PDT
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