RE: [Paddlewise] Paddle cross sections

From: skimmer <skimmer_at_enter.net>
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2007 10:51:04 4
Peter said:

"... if the paddle is flat on one side and slightly curved, edge-to-
edge, (symetric edge-to-edge, uniform curve) on the powerface"
Does anyone make Greenland paddles asymmetric (one side 
flattish, other more curved)? Did Greenlanders do that? Some Aleut 
paddles are flat one side and ridged the other, was that for a foil 
effect? Do we know which side of such an Aleut paddle was the 
power face?

------------------------------------

I have seen two Greenland Paddles in museums that were flat on 
one side and gently curved on the other. I made a replica of one of 
those paddles. As expected, using the flat side as the powerface 
results in severe ossilation. Using the curved side as the power 
face results in a smooth stroke, no ossilation. 

No doubt that the powerface of the Aleut paddle is the side with the 
ridge.

When I roll or scull using my "asymetric" (cross section) paddle, I 
do so with the flat side down.  If you do a vertical scull with this 
type of paddle parallel to the edge of a swimming pool, the paddle 
very clearly pulls away from the edge of the pool even if the flat side 
of the blade is parallel to the edge of the pool (Zero degree angle of 
attack).

Speaking of sewing Greenland paddles together, I have seen many 
cases where sections are held togther with sinew stitched through 
holes drilled through the sections.
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Received on Fri Dec 07 2007 - 07:47:00 PST

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