Quoting PeterO <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au>: > Joe wrote > >Well, keeping the paddle shaft vertical IS more efficient... > Is there a case here for really short paddle shafts? I think there is. The main themes touched on here are ones I have discovered really help me. (rotator cuff tear on left, 2 bouts w/ impingement on right, caused not from the glory of paddling but the manic full-time travel of a consultant hauling too much weight through endless airports.) The themes are: Short paddle (hands closer together) strong shoulders & back (through off-water training) well-aligned posture (vertebra stacked, lift from the sternum) -lose the backband, or at least consider it a butt-stop instead of a backrest torso rotation (from the HIPS not the shoulders) driving the stroke > I moved to a vertical stroke with lots of body rotation four years ago to > stop elbow stiffness and for efficiency. ... I did it to keep up with the maniacs I paddle with.... but it does seem easier on the forearm & wrist > Would it be practical to shorten the paddle sufficiently that you could have > a truly vertical stroke in which the hand passes below the eyes and the > upper arm is consequently below the shoulder? There's a pretty good case for this. Among others, the Lightning Paddles web site discusses it somewhat: http://www.paddles.com/library/basics3.html (no affiliation, I just like 'em) I went through a few "adjustments" before I finally accepted that I was better off with a _really_ short paddle for my short torso and skinny boats. Luckily I have taller friends who need paddles <g> Also remember that flexibility is as important as strength so, while you want a strong shoulder girdle, you also want it to move... Be sure to lengthen those same muscles (stretching) that you contract for strength when you're lifting. JP ---------------------------------------------------------------- This message was sent using IMP, the Internet Messaging Program. *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************Received on Tue Jan 18 2005 - 04:56:01 PST
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