Re: [Paddlewise] Rob's Article

I had a chance to use some Greenland paddles this weekend (I was with four 
other paddlers, all with Greenland sticks, me with my "snow shovel" as one 
fella put it). The wooden one had nice shaft index points at about twenty 
inches apart which really fit my hands with an ergonomic feature 
(finger/thumb around the shaft, then the palm of each hand rests on the 
widening blade area. I also tried the Superior carbon paddle, which 
fluttered a bit more in the water but was a joy to paddle as it was almost 
weightless. Once I started angling in the blades each stroke, the flutter 
went away. When I went back to my big Euro lendal paddle, it felt weird and 
fluttery and not natural anymore. My shoulders then started to protest a bit 
again once back to the Euro, though I could see the lack of a crank shaft 
might be harder on the wrists if a Euro-crank is what has worked for you 
best). The Greenland paddles were an awesome new experience for me. I'd 
heard such awful things about them from BCU/CRCA instructors.

I was able to sprint just as fast with them though I'd have to increase my 
cadence to equal the extra dig of a Euroblade when trying to overtake a fast 
paddler. I could also see how the Greenland paddle would be a little less 
fast for initial take off speed (acceleration). If I were to go Greenland, 
I'd want something light for a better, faster, effortless spin.

The Greenland paddles had a lot of buoyancy so in rougher water there was 
good support and they were great for resting with the paddle acting almost 
like a paddlefloat out perpendicular. And the amount of leverage when fully 
extended for turning, etc., was amazing. Bow rudder turns were just as 
effective, which was weird given how low the surface area is compared to a 
Euro paddle balde - and easier and steadier on the shoulders with no shaft 
jerking.

As for towing or holding someone in a raft off a lee shore I can't estimate 
how well a Greenland paddle would do. You'd certainly want someone with a 
wealth of experience using one in a situation like that to my way of 
thinking (haven't read the article yet, so don't know the specific issues).

I'll definitely be more keen to get into a Greenland paddle now, when I free 
up some time or money.

Doug Lloyd



> Duane and all,
>
> I'm with you in regards to not blaming the paddle or equipment. That 
> observation made it into the story, but it was not mine. Although I know 
> what I prefer to keep a rafted tow off the rocks, if one can do it with a 
> Greenland paddle or hand paddles, more power to you.?That is something 
> that needs to be practiced, however and use the most effective stroke that 
> can be used.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Rob G
>
>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>
> My only gripe about the article was the dig on the Greenland paddle not 
> having
> enough bite for towing a rescue. Granted, it was a statement about another
> paddler's thought and reason for adding another tow to the rescue. I just 
> have
> to say, don't blame the paddle!
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