Re: [Paddlewise] efficient stroke

On Wed, Jul 8, 2009 at 6:53 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote:

> Plus, I have a cute way of getting off [snicker].
>
>
Uh oh... I can see the deterioration in *this* thread is not far off. :P

It's easy to confuse paddling styles with paddle stroke. It's only sensible
that rotating the upper body helps. What I guess I was trying to get at was;
is there a sign of an efficient paddle stroke? And if there is, what is it?
I know it's not a lack of paddle drips on the spray deck. My wing paddle
throws a *lot* of water but is the fastest thing I've ever paddled with. If
I try to stop throwing water off the back then it slows down... so I stopped
trying. It also makes a distinctive "plop" sound when I have the catch just
right. But this is paddle-specific. Is a quieter paddle stroke more
efficient? One that doesn't throw water?

Jim Tibensky's remarks about moving the paddle away from the boat at the end
of the stroke also seems (to me) to be faster. In fact I find myself
levering down on the shaft of my standard euros some to get more speed. Much
like a modified wing stroke. But I try to keep my catch vertical.

I'm in the throes of Tour de France fever right now so I might not be
totally comprehensible for another 2-1/2 weeks. Yesterday's team trials were
so incredible that I had to breathe into a paper bag for 30 minutes
afterwards. :P

Chris Cunningham of Sea Kayaker Magazine has some questions about the size
of a sea kayak and whether old notions are still relevant. Link is at:

http://www.seakayakermag.com/2009/09e-newsletters/july/sizingup.htm

It seems like good fodder for this group.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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