Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle question

On 6 Sep 2004 at 12:53, alex wrote:

> I have not seen yet an occasion when one becomes close to the other. 
> The difference of aspect ratio mentioned by Scott never comes to that
> point. Two very different tecniques, developed over centuries,
> preclude such a transformation. 

This assumes _current_ GP and European styles and not earlier.  

There are several "Euro" paddles that do approach the GP - there are 
a couple of "quill" paddles that have been sold over the years and 
the CD Sabella is in some ways more like a GP than a short&wide 
conventional paddle.

> In a Greenland paddle grip in a forward stroke is at the root of
> the blade, so the length of the shaft section is determined by 
> arms length; 

This isn't true of what we call the storm paddle.  This is 
nonetheless a valid Greenland type.  

> this is why it is always shorter than in Euro.

I know a lot of folks who use Euro paddles that are shorter or about 
the same length as my standard GP.

One other general assumption is that the GP is representative of 
Inuit paddles.  I think another phrasing of John's question would be -
 How is a Euro paddle distinquished from traditional Inuit paddles?

The answer to this question shows that the Euro paddle is not a 
distinct type.  Hence it's name is arbitrary and does not show the 
origins or derivation of the type.  If you look at paddles all around 
the world, you see that many styles are common among very different 
and widely distributed cultures.

Mike
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