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 *************************************************************************** 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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