Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle Types

I have been using Lendal modified-cranks for ten years now and wouldn't 
change back.

 I first used one at ASSC in Wales, where most paddlers, regardless of skill 
and/or experience were using them. I decided that it was a classic case of 
people following a trend, and thought they were very much a "British thing".

The arguments as listed by James didn't cut much ice with me, as I had 
strong, healthy joints and a relaxed, perfect style :-)

That was until I actually looked at my wrist angle while paddling in strong 
winds, and then my roll went on holiday, days before I was to sit my BCU 
Five Star test!

I borrowed a crank and it felt great for the few days I had it so I bought 
one and have used them since. Straight-shafts now feel very agricultural and 
I find myself gripping them much tighter, potentially leading to strain.

I have even fitted wing-blades to a Lendal shft, and use that in my race 
boat. Several people have borrowed the crank-shafts and would love to 
change, but their cost here is very high. When coaching people always ask 
about them and I simply pass them over before I explain their 
characteristics.

Watching the Olympic slalom I noticed a few in use.

Horses for courses, but they work for me.

Cheers

JKA

John Kirk-Anderson
Banks Peninsula
New Zealand


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "James" <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm>
To: "paddlewise" <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 1:27 AM
Subject: [Paddlewise] Paddle Types



>
> The reasons I have been given for them include:
>
>     Better angle of attack for the blade entering the water
>
>     Longer reach
>
>     Less strain on the wrists or elbows or both
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