Re: [Paddlewise] paddling single blade

James Farrelly said: Anyone do much paddle touring with a canoe style
paddle while in a kayak?  Getting the paddle length correct is a big
question to me.



I paddle a lot and like to switch between the three paddles in the same
way as your competition friends.  One day I use my Euro paddle, the next
my Greenland paddle and the third my canoe paddle.  All in my slalom
kayak, which is what I use for my daily paddles.  (Because it weighs
only 20 pounds and is easy to carry to the river.  Plus it is fun to
paddle.)

Anyway, my canoe paddle has a very short shaft.  Since I paddle in a
kayak, I'm basically sitting on the water, where a canoer will sit or
kneel much higher.  From T-grip to tip of blade my paddle is three feet
long.

I enjoy paddling 'whitewater' style with the single blade.  That is, I
don't change my grip to switch sides for steering, I just do a 'cross
bow' type of stroke on the off side.  I do switch the grip every now and
then for balance of effort, but only every minute or so.  

My theory behind the three paddles is that each one uses different
muscles at different angles than the other.  This improves, I believe,
my flexibility and balance as well as reduces the wear and tear of
repetitive motions.  Paddling over 150 a days a year for the past 42
years has left me with minimal joint problems, in part I think, because
of the variation in my training routines.

I take my canoe paddle along as a spare when I camp on the Mississippi
River.  I have used it for a full day's paddle and find it pretty
comfortable to go long distances with.  I can roll with it as easily as
with my double blades.

Jim Tibensky
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