Forgive me paddlers, for I have sinned, and sinned some more. I have had just one primary paddle for my entire and modest paddling career, with a relatively inexpensive backup in case anybody loses or breaks or forgets to bring a paddle. I have used just one kayak over the same period, and to this day have only owned one boat. One local expert described my kayak as a "garbage skow", even though it was designed by a Boeing engineer. But I have been very happy with my gear and see no reason to switch or augment. My paddle is ramrod straight with large blades, no feathering, and moves me along crisply. Luckily, I have had no physical problems using this paddle. My only regret is not having originally bought two of them. [I did own one-half of a whitewater canoe once, but that's ancient history.] Incidentally, my BCU rating is 000, so I really shouldn't be on the water. Curiously, I do have a strong urge to buy a new shirt about every other week. Please do not recommend a shrink, as that will just make my obsession worse. BRC *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
I have a bent shaft Werner paddle, and have used it for three years. None of you have mentioned the odd fact that you can tell, accurately, where your hands are on a bent shaft, as opposed to a straight shaft paddle. I used to "walk" my hands up and down the paddle shaft without knowing I was doing it, then couldn't figure out why I kept veering sport or starboard. It was because I was holding the paddle unevenly. With the bent shaft, I am much more aware of where I am holding it, and better able to adjust my position if I don't want to have equal exposure on each end. Now, with five years kayaking rather than two, it is possible I don't need the bent shaft anymore. However, with one shoulder surgery, the other shoulder in PT for 6 months, and elbow and wrist tendonitis, I think I'll stick with it. My "back up" paddle is a straight shaft Wind Swift. It has smaller blades than the Kalliste, and I use it on the first day of a two day trip, or on paddles over 10 or 12 miles, to reduce strain on wrist and shoulders, Then I use the Kalliste the second day or late in the trip. I really prefer the Kalliste, but do wonder if the design is one of the reasons I have had such a challenge learning to roll. Pam in Washington State (Hi! Craig! You forgot to tell them at least I got the Kalliste on ebay!) **************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2009/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00030000000007 ) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 9:20 AM, Bradford R. Crain <crainb_at_pdx.edu> wrote: > Forgive me paddlers, for I have sinned, and sinned some more. > > I have had just one primary paddle for my entire and modest paddling > career, with a relatively inexpensive backup in case anybody loses or > breaks > or forgets to bring a paddle. I have used just one kayak over the same > period, and to this day have only owned one boat. You need to meet Pam; she will cure you of this "one paddle, one kayak" nonsense. In fact, she has a few (of both) that I'm sure she can make you a good deal on. Bring a truck! Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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