I have several questions: First, I have been paddling for just two years, but I'm not a kid. I have arthritis in my right shoulder and tendonitis in my left elbow. I have read that the Greenland style of paddling is less stressful on joints since it is more aerobic than strength orientated is there any truth in this? Second, If the above statement is true where can I try out this type of paddle and learn the correct paddling style to go with it? (I live in Rhode Island) Last, How do I select the correct length paddle? I don't have a Greenland style kayak, I have a Wilderness Systems Cape Horn which is a relatively wide high volume kayak. Larry Pelletier *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Fri, 3 Sep 2004 11:55:51 -0400, "Larry Pelletier" <larry.bp_at_verizon.net> said: > I have several questions: > > First, I have been paddling for just two years, but I'm not a kid. I > have arthritis in my right shoulder and tendonitis in my left elbow. > I have read that the Greenland style of paddling is less stressful on > joints since it is more aerobic than strength orientated is there any > truth in this? I think so. When I switch from my greenland style paddle to my euro paddle the euro paddle feels like a shovel on the end of a stick. The euro feels clumsy to me after spending time with the greenland. The converse is also true, if you are used to a Euro paddle the first reaction to a greenland is likely to be. "how do you get anywhere with this." and "why didn't that stroke work". > > Second, If the above statement is true where can I try out this > > type of > paddle and learn the correct paddling style to go with it? (I live in > Rhode Island) Sept 11/12 is the Arctic Boat weekend at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut http://www.mysticseaport.org/source/show_course.cfm?mcourse=215&mki- nd=visit I can't think of a better way to go way overboard on starting out ;-) http://www.qajaqusa.org is where the "hardcore" greenland practitioners hang out, on the web. Just in case you wanted to waste more time on the Internet... > Last, How do I select the correct length paddle? Chuck Host did a nice pdf on building your own greenland paddle and sizing it properly: http://www.qajaqusa.org/QK/makegreen2.pdf > I don't have a Greenland style kayak, I have a Wilderness Systems > Cape Horn which is a relatively wide high volume kayak. I'll leave this up to others. I would go with a slightly longer, than the anthropomorphic measurements, paddle. -- Kirk Olsen *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
At 02:12 PM 9/3/2004 -0400, Kirk Olsen wrote: >On Fri, 3 Sep 2004 11:55:51 -0400, "Larry Pelletier" ><larry.bp_at_verizon.net> said: > > I have several questions: > > > > First, I have been paddling for just two years, but I'm not a kid. I > > have arthritis in my right shoulder and tendonitis in my left elbow. > > I have read that the Greenland style of paddling is less stressful on > > joints since it is more aerobic than strength orientated is there any > > truth in this? > >I think so. When I switch from my greenland style paddle to my euro >paddle the euro paddle feels like a shovel on the end of a stick. The >euro feels clumsy to me after spending time with the greenland. The >converse is also true, if you are used to a Euro paddle the first >reaction to a greenland is likely to be. "how do you get anywhere with >this." and "why didn't that stroke work". > > > > Second, If the above statement is true where can I try out this > > > type of > > paddle and learn the correct paddling style to go with it? (I live in > > Rhode Island) > >Sept 11/12 is the Arctic Boat weekend at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut > >http://www.mysticseaport.org/source/show_course.cfm?mcourse=215&mki- >nd=visit I can't think of a better way to go way overboard on >starting out ;-) > >http://www.qajaqusa.org is where the "hardcore" greenland practitioners >hang out, on the web. Just in case you wanted to waste more time on the >Internet... I'll add a couple more links... http://www.studiofurniture.com/delmarva/index.html The DelMarva paddlers retreat has it's 16th annual retreat coming up on Oct. 1-3. It always includes a Greenland paddlemaking workshop and provides on water instruction as well. http://www.newfoundrendezvous.org/ The Newfound Woodworks rendevous, while primarily about wooden boats, also usually has sessions on building a Greenland style paddle. > > Last, How do I select the correct length paddle? > >Chuck Host did a nice pdf on building your own greenland paddle and >sizing it properly: http://www.qajaqusa.org/QK/makegreen2.pdf > > > I don't have a Greenland style kayak, I have a Wilderness Systems > > Cape Horn which is a relatively wide high volume kayak. > >I'll leave this up to others. I would go with a slightly longer, than >the anthropomorphic measurements, paddle. Larry may be asking himself (or about to ask us) by now "wdo I have to build a Greenland paddle? Why shouln't I just buy one?" The answer to that question is actually related to the answer of the "How do I select the correct length?" question. Unlike Euro paddles there are actually several "lengths" to be concerned about. When you buy a commercial euro style paddle you typically have a limited number of choices in overall length (typically 210cm to 240cm in 10cm increments). Some venders offer a couple of shaft widths, and then you have a select of paddle blade styles. For a greenland style, there is the overall length (typically if you stand next to the paddle with one tip on the ground you should be just be able to wrap your palm over the other tip). Of equal importance is the loom length, especially for a shouldered loom. Basically that's where your hands go when you're holding the paddle normally. Then there's the width of the blade. If you grasp the blade near the end of the paddle it should be no wider than the from the webbing between your thumb and hand and the first joint on your index finger. Because these lengths are specified based on your personal body type it's not commerially viable for a greenland paddle builder to pre-build paddle that would fit all these requirements. There are several commercial greenland paddles on the market, and if you're lucky, you might find one that will fit, but they're fairly inexpensive and easy to build a custom paddle that fits perfectly. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> I have several questions: > I have read that the Greenland style of paddling is less stressful on > > > joints since it is more aerobic than strength orientated is there any > > > truth in this? I don't paddle Greenland style, but there are numerous web sites devoted to Greenland. I don't have any bookmarked, but I'm sure others will chime in with a link. But, what do you mean "strength oriented"? You should be relying more on torso rotation than strength. If you're relying on strength today, you're stroke is wrong, regardless of the style. Fix that, and there's no need to switch to Greenalnd. I'm not an expert, so I'll stop before I embarrass myself and let some of the instructors and other experts follow up, but I'd consider getting some proper technique training (local classes, books, videos, web sites, etc). Then again, people I've talked to who tried Greenland refuse to go back to anything else, so you may want to switch anyway. Rick *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> I think so. When I switch from my greenland style paddle to my euro > paddle the euro paddle feels like a shovel on the end of a stick. Okay... long narrow Greenland versus short fat Euro... I can see the "Shovel" analogy. And those who paddle Greenland all say that it's an easier stroke once you get accustomed to it. But beyond that, would you consider the Euro style to be strength oriented? All my learning has taught me that if you're using strength, you've got a problem with your technique. Perhaps I'm taking the work "strength" too literally. Larry, when you said strength, did you mean to imply "arm and shoulder muscles" for propulsion, or just "not as easy as Greenland"? Because, if Euro style is strength oriented, then I've got to go back and re-learn a bunch of stuff :-( and consider switching to Greenland myself :-) Rick *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Rick Sylvia said: > All my learning has taught me that if > you're using strength, you've got a problem with your > technique. Perhaps I'm taking the work "strength" too literally.......... > >..............Because, if Euro style is strength oriented, > then I've got to go back and re-learn a bunch of stuff :-( > and consider switching to Greenland myself :-) Rick, Think of it like gears on bike. With the GP, you are in a lower gear--your cadence will be faster, but there is much less effort on each stroke. It does feel a lot easier than a Euro paddle, but the techniques are different. You cant the blades forward on the catch so the blade actually dives. While playing with mine in some surf last week I was having a little difficulty side surfing my boat on some waves. With a Euro (what I usually use in surf), I just put the blade out in either a high or low brace and everything is cool. With the GP, I was told to think of it like sex--you can't just lie there and not move. In order to stay upright, I had to skull the blade. When I didn't - I leaned all the way into the wave and would have capsized if I hadn't changed what I was doing. Steve Holtzman *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Fri, 3 Sep 2004 14:37:59 -0400, Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com said: > > > > I think so. When I switch from my greenland style paddle to my euro > > paddle the euro paddle feels like a shovel on the end of a stick. > > Okay... long narrow Greenland versus short fat Euro... I can see the > "Shovel" analogy. The shovel analogy was stolen from a recent discussion with someone else. "Barn Door" is more the feel difference to me ;-) I feel like I need to use more finesse to get strokes to work properly with the greenland paddle. So when I switch to the euro paddle I lose the feel of the paddle slipping through the water and it feels like there's a big ole barn door floating on the surface that I can push off to get something accomplished. > And those who paddle Greenland all say that it's an easier stroke once > you get accustomed to it. But beyond that, would you consider the > Euro style to be strength oriented? To me it's easier to relate the stroke difference to bicycling. The greenland uses a higher cadence and less muscle power for each stroke, but you trade off using nearly twice as many strokes. Once you adjust to the higher cadence it _feels_ easier because each individual stroke takes less effort. Think back to riding a single speed bicycle. Sure you _could_ ride up a hill, but it's a heck of a lot easier to ride up a hill with a lower gear. > All my learning has taught me that if you're using strength, you've > got a problem with your technique. Perhaps I'm taking the work > "strength" too literally. With technique it doesn't take as much muscle and the muscles that you need for a "good" stroke are different from the muscles used by someone who is driving the paddle with strength. The typical bicep stroke used by most beginners versus the torso rotation of someone who no longer uses the bicep stroke. I look at it more as, "if paddling feels like work you are doing it wrong". To me a good stroke is the stroke that allows you to go the pace you want while enjoying it. Sure that leaves some people doing an incredibly ugly stroke, but hopefully with time they'll see the light.... But then what do I know 90% of my paddling is with a wing paddle. When I spend time in my surfski I use the wing paddle. When I spend time in my sea kayak I use the greenland paddle. I use the greenland when I want to mess around in the sea kayak and enjoy paddling just for the fun of it. The surf ski is for exercise and the adrenaline rush from the challenge of keeping the boat upright. kirk rambling like an idiot -- Kirk Olsen *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Rick, There is dipping, and there is paddling, using the parlance of some of my paddling buddies ... who mainly paddle tandems. For them, a "dipper" is another would-be paddler in their boat who is not putting out much effort, but only "dipping" their paddle. OTOH, a "paddler" in their boat is a partner who is really putting some effort into his/her stroke. In short, strenuous paddling requires strong muscle activity, whether you term it "strength", "endurance" or something else. Could be you have something specific in mind when you say "using strength" which relates to the use of particular groups of muscles (arm and shoulder, perhaps) in lieu of other groups (torso, back, perhaps) -- the latter indicating use of a better technique. If that's what you mean, then we are probably on the same wavelength. In the case of a Greenland paddle, when I used one __very briefly__ I could not get as much instantaneous muscle demand as I could with my wimpy small-blade-face 220 cm Euro paddle, especially on entry, which attracts me because it will help me with my tendonitis problems. Could be when I use one for more than a short period, and develop my technique, I'll find myself using "strength" in different muscle groups ... which I must, in order to maintain the sorts of cruising speeds I achieve with my Euro paddle. This is a consequence of conservation of energy, I expect, inasmuch as I will have to work about as hard whichever paddle I use -- but the muscle groups used might be different, and I might be able to even out the force throughout the stroke, instead of having peaks and valleys in the force applied. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR ----- Original Message ----- From: <Rick.Sylvia_at_ferguson.com> > Okay... long narrow Greenland versus short fat Euro... I can see the > "Shovel" analogy. And those who paddle Greenland all say that it's an > easier stroke once you get accustomed to it. But beyond that, would you > consider the Euro style to be strength oriented? All my learning has > taught me that if you're using strength, you've got a problem with your > technique. Perhaps I'm taking the work "strength" too literally. > Larry, when you said strength, did you mean to imply "arm and shoulder > muscles" for propulsion, or just "not as easy as Greenland"? Because, > if Euro style is strength oriented, then I've got to go back and > re-learn a bunch of stuff :-( and consider switching to Greenland > myself :-) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> -----Original Message----- > I was told to think of it like sex--you can't just > lie > there and not move. What!!! You mean I have to re-learn that too! Rick PS - It's clear that I'm just kidding, right? :-) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Like the original poster, I also have some tendinitis problems -- mine are in the wrist -- which forced me to a smaller Euro paddle some years ago. Of course, tendinitis never goes away, it just goes in abeyance, and often comes back. Well, like my brother Freddy, mine is back, and I am considering switching, also. To answer one of the original questions: using a G paddle makes for a much softer entry, which greatly reduces the initial impact on my joints and tendons. I suspect you will find a G paddle will help a lot. I will find out, also, once I get that stick carved. Got my cedar 2 x 4! Thanks to Kirk (I think) for posting the link to Chuck Holst's PDF article on building a G paddle. Now, to find that G spot ... or, does it matter if I just lie there ? [grin] -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> In the case of a Greenland paddle, when I used one __very briefly__ I could > not get as much instantaneous muscle demand as I could with my wimpy > small-blade-face 220 cm Euro paddle, especially on entry, which attracts me > because it will help me with my tendonitis problems. Could be when I use one > for more than a short period, and develop my technique, I'll find myself > using "strength" in different muscle groups ... which I must, in order to > maintain the sorts of cruising speeds I achieve with my Euro paddle. This is > a consequence of conservation of energy, I expect, inasmuch as I will have to > work about as hard whichever paddle I use -- but the muscle groups used might > be different, and I might be able to even out the force throughout the > stroke, instead of having peaks and valleys in the force applied. I've been using a GP for just a season, but have decided to stay on it - for the nearest future at least. Even though my hands and elbows are always wet now - didn't notcie that with a Euro paddle. Wrist problems are less likely with a GP, and torso muscles are used more (while hand muscles - less), compared to Euro. I know, hands are not supposed to be the main propulsion tool in Euro, but GP is easier on hands. To maintain high cruising speeds with GP, stroke cadence is increased - anything else just won't work. It feels (with my poor technique, of course) that GP will still cause you to conserve energy, compared to Euro (even at higher speeds, i.e. higher GP strokes cadence), but will provide lower acceleration than Euro in most of the paddling speeds range. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Kirk: Although I am a devout Greenland paddle user and no longer even use any euro paddles, and would reccomend Mr Pelletier try one anyhow, I have to point out we should not forget about Bill Lowe's arthritis solution, the bent/bow paddle. I don't see a link on his site for it for it but perhaps you might know were to find a picture. It seems to have worked for him. http://www.imaginelan.com/willow/ As for the recomendation on Mystic I must definetiley seccond that one. No one within reasonable driving rage should miss the event. Plenty of boats to try, gobbs of paddles and a bunch of friendly, qualified and very willing folks to help you learn any G paddle related skills. See you all there the week end of the 11th & 12th. michael *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Fri, 3 Sep 2004 21:39:50 -0400, "MICHAEL SILVIUS" <M.Silvius_at_worldnet.att.net> said: > Although I am a devout Greenland paddle user and no longer even use > any euro paddles, and would reccomend Mr Pelletier try one anyhow, I'm a firm advocate of trying everything you can and taking what works for you. For me it's the greenland paddle in my sea kayak and a wing paddle on my surf ski. I've tried the wing on the sea kayak and I don't like it. I've tried the greenland on my surf ski and had the same reaction. For cold weather paddling I like the bow that Michael mentions below. > I have to point out we should not forget about Bill Lowe's arthritis > solution, the bent/bow paddle. I don't see a link on his site for it > for it but perhaps you might know were to find a picture. It seems to > have worked for him. As Michael noted Bill took an alternate route. He thought about the biomechanics of paddling and came up with his own paddle. I've got one it works very well. http://home.comcast.net/~jkolsen/assets/images/fullbow1.jpg http://home.comcast.net/~jkolsen/assets/images/bowhandle.jpg Your hands go on the vertical posts/handles. The strap is to keep the paddleblades from flopping into the water when you rest it on the cockpit coaming - the strap is not structural. My canoeing partner has elbow tendonitis, when I coax him into a sea kayak he always uses the bow paddle because it's my only paddle that doesn't bother his tendonitis. The reason I like the bow for offseason paddling is with the arched shaft water does not run down the paddle shaft onto my hands or onto the deck. Kirk -- Kirk Olsen *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
>First, I have been paddling for just two years, but I'm not a kid. I have arthritis in my right shoulder and tendonitis in my left elbow. I have read that the Greenland style of paddling is less stressful on joints since it is more aerobic than strength orientated is there any truth in this?< Welcome to the "Decrepit Paddlers Club." While I do not consider myself to be the "last word" on this topic, I do have some experience in both paddling with arthritis, and Greenland paddles. Yes, when using a Greenland style of paddle correctly you will experience significantly less stress on the joints. However, it should be understood that the Greenland style of paddling is really a "system" which incorporates both paddle and boat. The Greenland paddling technique is really best used with a narrow, low decked boat. The general technique, as I understand and practice it, is performed with the elbows held low and along side the paddlers torso. This is very difficult to accomplish in a beamy high decked boat. I have found that in an appropriately low volume and narrow boat this technique can easily and effectively be adapted to the Euro paddle with a correspondingly significant reduction in stress to the joints. Another very important element of the stroke is to cant the upper edge of the paddle blade slightly forward during the catch phase. However, in an inappropriate boat the technique will not sufficiently work with either type of paddle, and use of the Greenland style paddle in this scenario may actually be self defeating. In such a case the best you can do is to use a paddle with smaller blades, as short of shaft as you are comfortable with, and of course learn and practice proper torso rotation. Scott So.Cal. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On 3 Sep 2004 at 19:06, Scott Hilliard wrote: > The general technique, as I > understand and practice it, is performed with the elbows held low and > along side the paddlers torso. This sounds like what Van Doren teaches and isn't what is described on the QajaqUSA forum. I once observed him teaching this to a group of paddlers and wondered what the heck he was doing. The standard technique as most of us practice it is not that different than using a Euro paddle. The main differences are in the way the paddle is held and the angle the blade is at in the water. Mike *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> Greenland paddling technique is really best used with a narrow, low decked > boat. The general technique, as I understand and practice it, is performed > with the elbows held low and along side the paddlers torso. This is very > difficult to accomplish in a beamy high decked boat. I have found that in an > appropriately low volume and narrow boat this technique can easily and > effectively be adapted to the Euro paddle with a correspondingly significant > reduction in stress to the joints. Another very important element of the > stroke is to cant the upper edge of the paddle blade slightly forward during > the catch phase. However, in an inappropriate boat the technique will not > sufficiently work with either type of paddle, and use of the Greenland style > paddle in this scenario may actually be self defeating. In such a case the > best you can do is to use a paddle with smaller blades, as short of shaft as > you are comfortable with, and of course learn and practice proper torso > rotation. Agreed with everything excepf for the last point - that GP in a high and beamy boat is self-defeating and small-blade Euro will necessarily be better. Or it needs a clarification - how high and how beamy should it be to reduce GP advantages to zero compared to small-blade and short-shaft Euro. May be this is true for some boats. Also, deck height sets a limit to how short Euro shaft can be, IMHO. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Egad. That is the most bizarre paddle I have ever seen. I take it the strap is down in use. Looks like the main difference ergonomically is that the hand is closed on a vertical object (the handle) instead of a (more or less) horizontal object (paddleshaft in a "normal" paddle). The consequence is the forearm is not twisted inward on pulling. Wow. As a tendonitis guy, I think I need to try one of these. -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kirk Olsen" <kork4_at_cluemail.com> > As Michael noted Bill took an alternate route. He thought about the > biomechanics of paddling and came up with his own paddle. I've got one > it works very well. > > http://home.comcast.net/~jkolsen/assets/images/fullbow1.jpg > http://home.comcast.net/~jkolsen/assets/images/bowhandle.jpg > > Your hands go on the vertical posts/handles. The strap is to keep the > paddleblades from flopping into the water when you rest it on the > cockpit coaming - the strap is not structural. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Dave: Additionally the wrist sees very little movement. The grips rotate in the hand. If I am not mistaken I seem to recall this was the problem that Bill Lowe sought to solve. I have never used one but paddled w/ him for a few hours a few yrs back and recall that the motion he employs is very subtle. Minor up and down with the fore arm pivoting at the elbow and and thrust came mostly from upper torso rotation. Send him a note, he would probably make you one for a reasonable fee. best regards: michael ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Kruger" <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> > Egad. That is the most bizarre paddle I have ever seen. I take it the strap > is down in use. Looks like the main difference ergonomically is that the > hand is closed on a vertical object (the handle) instead of a (more or less) > horizontal object (paddleshaft in a "normal" paddle). The consequence is the > forearm is not twisted inward on pulling. > Wow. As a tendonitis guy, I think I need to try one of these. > Dave Kruger *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
> Could be you have something specific in mind when you say "using strength" > which relates to the use of particular groups of muscles (arm and > shoulder, > perhaps) in lieu of other groups (torso, back, perhaps) -- the latter > indicating use of a better technique. If that's what you mean, then we > are > probably on the same wavelength. Yes... when I think of "strength", I think of using arm and shoulder power in place of proper form and technique. That is, I think of muscling your way through the water rather than properly paddling your way through the water. So, while it's true that form and technique require a degree of strength, in the context of this thread, I was of the mindset that the original poster was using the term to mean something other than what I now think they were saying. I've been away from the net for several days. Looks like about 50 titles referring to Greenland vs. Euro..... should be interesting reading during my lunch break today... if I manage to get one. :-) Rick *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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