RE: [Paddlewise] Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome; Scapular

Doug Lloyd said:
> I know John Dowd suffers shoulder problems, and for a while 
> was promoting the Greenland paddles. I'd recommend looking at 
> a smaller, soft dihedral blade design. I picked up one from 
> Aquabound one year a while back, for a trip around half of 
> Vancouver Island, and it saw me through with less pain that 
> normal. I'm used to a big-bladed, Lendal Nordkapp paddle that 
> was used for most of my big-weather paddling, which probably 
> contributed to some of my problems early on.

I paddle with a bunch of really good paddlers who because most of us are
well over 50 are referred to as the "Old Fart Follies". About 1/2 of us have
found that we have less aches and pains in general and in the shoulders as a
result of switching to Greenland paddles. The others are still refusing to
accept their bodies aren't 30 anymore and are still using some big bladed
aggressive paddles.

If you haven't tried a stick yet, give it a go. It really made a difference
for me. Be prepared for a new learning curve though. There were plenty of
swims as I learned that your paddle is supposed to dive when you plant it
for the catch.

Steve Holtzman
Southern Calif.
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************