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 Larry, I am 53 and have had tennis elbow and a rotator cuff impingment. I was using the lightest euro-paddle I could find to compensate ( the Epic ultra light ), which by the way is a great paddle, focusing on using mostly torso rotation with almost no pulling. This all helped and then I took a Greenland style paddling course with Mark Molina. I find it to be the least stressfull on my joints and just a delight to use. Everything is easier to do using a Greenland paddle. The fact that you don't have a Greenland style boat will not be a problem. Doing a Greenland style roll you will have to modify very slightly because you will not be able to lay back as easily due to your high back deck. Greenland stlye is becoming more and more popular so many of your kayak rental/instruction places may be teaching it. I highly recommend Mark Molina's course, enjoy, Richard _________________________________________________________________ On the road to retirement? Check out MSN Life Events for advice on how to get there! http://lifeevents.msn.com/category.aspx?cid=Retirement *************************************************************************** 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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