[Paddlewise] Questions

We all like to simplify things to make them more easily understood. For 
example most paddlers form conclusions about paddles based on very simple 
observations without ever asking if the observations have much validity. Few 
ask any questions to validate their conclusions. For example;

Imagine you are paddling along with a group of people and you can keep up 
with them using paddle type A while they are using paddle type B. Do you 
conclude paddle type A is just as good as B without wondering if the other 
people were putting out the same effort, or using better or worse stroke 
technique, or if their boats produced the same resistance, or if they were 
depressed or elated, or if they were more or less tired at the end of the 
day?

Suppose you tested a lot of paddles over a measured course and paddle type A 
seemed to produce the best times over type B. Did you wonder if you really 
produced the same effort in each test, or if the water temperature, waves, 
current, and wind remained the same for every test, or if the aesthetics of 
the paddles influenced you, or if the sizes of the paddle blades and shafts 
were the same or if you used the proper stroke mechanics with each one?

Sometimes what we believe has more to do with what we want to believe than 
anything else.

Cheers

John Winters 
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