RE: [Paddlewise] Testing

Mike, I hear what you and JW are saying, but I counter with the argument
that reductionism isn't necessarily the most appropriate or only
methodology. An analogy: knowing about paddles independent of a paddler
might be like knowing about a bat's wing independent of the bat, its not the
same problem as knowing about a glider wing independent of the fuselage. 

We also actually do know a lot about paddles from collective experience.
Wing paddles, and greenland paddles in particular only work effectively
through specific angles of attack, which change dynamically throughout the
catch and stroke. If you fail to replicate that complex motion (be you a
tank test dummy or a novice paddler), then they don't do very much very
well.  If you fail to appreciate this, then the tank tests might not tell
you what you think they are telling you - and my argument is the only way to
test the validity of an analysis of the fluid dynamics/mechanics of a static
paddle in flowing water or a paddle stroked through air and water would be
through a comparative methodology (combined or not with an analysis of the
bio-energetics) investigating real paddlers proficient in the use of their
paddles. Another analogy - Knowing about the fluid dynamics of a disembodied
swimmers arm would tell you what? yet small changes in the complex motion of
that arm result in great changes in swimming performance.

Cheers

Colin
www.kayakscotland.com

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