Bob Carter wrote: >I am seriously thinking about buying a new paddle. For >those of you who do multi day, boat loaded down, kayak >trips what type paddle do you use and why? G'day Bob and Paddlewise, I use two paddles 1) a Euro with asymmetrical medium area blade, one piece, strong, light weight, carbon fibre, ~40 degree feather, 210cm length ii) slightly heavier similar paddle but two piece as spare cut to same length and feather angle My reasons were: - - One piece is to get best strength for weight - feather angle, length and weight allow cruising with a high angle stroke without wrist rotation for my skinny body type which is susceptible to wrist and shoulder injury - Euro allows options of high speed or cruising - I avoided a wing paddle as I don't sprint long cruises and the last thing I want is an injured shoulder between islands with a fully loaded boat. I carry a sail for such occasions in case of injury but it hasn't happened between islands yet. Also concerned that a wing paddle is not as adaptable to handling bigger choppy sea as a Euro. Note the length and feather angle quoted are suitable for me but not necessarily for others. Also I avoid winds greater than 20 knots. Wind direction where I paddle is fairly predictable, so I haven't yet experienced the problems that such feather angles are supposed to cause in high winds. I've heard good reports on some of the crank paddles for people with wrist problems. After a shoulder problem that totally incapacitated me on an overnight 112km river run, I went to the best paddle stroke tutor I could find and asked him for tuition and to help me set up a feather angle, paddle length and stroke training that would allow me to paddle with a high quality paddle stroke. After I knew the angle and length I wanted I bought a paddle tailored to those dimensions. We did the paddle set up over two sessions with a combination of video and personal monitoring and a smart paddle shaft. the good paddle stroke took a little longer:~). I've a fast enduring stroke now, with no shoulder or wrist problems. All the best, PeterO *************************************************************************** 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 Sat Nov 24 2007 - 14:37:46 PST
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