Re: [Paddlewise] Legs Are Everything was "Long-short; euro-GP..."

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2004 00:33:29 -0700
 "WhiteRabbit" <whiterabbit_0117_at_charter.net> wrote:

> Taking the devils advocate.  All the legs do is anchor the lower body. 
> [snip]

Not a chance.

Next time you paddle hard, pay attention to how much pressure your feet exert 
against the pedals.  If your feet push against the pedals, they are pushing 
the kayak forward.  They are part of the power train from the paddle to the 
boat.  Any forward-pushing force between your body and the boat is what 
drives the boat forward.

In addition, if you pay attention to the pressure your tush exerts on the 
boat, you'll find some of it is against the forward part of your seat (in 
other words, it is not all directed downward).  That also pushes the boat 
forward.

Caveat:  any backward-pushing force from your body to the boat negates some 
of the forward-pushing force.  For example, if your lower back is 
simultaneously pushing hard against the seatback (or backband), that force 
drives the kayak rearward.  Try to paddle without pressing hard against the 
setback.

The only way the kayak can move forward is if something pushes it.  That 
something is you.

--
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

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Received on Tue Sep 07 2004 - 00:33:36 PDT

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