Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle length

From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:10:54 -0700
On Thu, Jul 16, 2009 at 4:31 PM, MATT MARINER BROZE
<marinerkayaks_at_msn.com>wrote:

>
> I would argue that the paddle that gives you a natural and easy to maintain
> cadence is likely more efficient than a shorter paddle that requires too
> high
> a cadence to comfortably maintain.


Maybe I'm abnormal (a common accusation, for some reason) but I prefer a
faster cadence and a more vertical plant. But I also generally use 220cm
paddles except, as you, for white water and/or surf (not that I do much
surfing except on boat wakes).

Before my knee injury I was a fanatic bicyclist with a Peugeot PX-10 (sew up
tires and all) that I bought in the 1970s (in Paris where I set off on a
1,000 mile ride through 4 countries). I still have the PX-10 but can only
ride it with one foot in the clips. I'm still faster than the 8-yr old
though. LOL. At any rate... I was a big believer in "spinning" to keep my
speed up. I thought it was a lot easier than trudging on a higher gear. I
notice that Lance Armstrong spins faster even than most bike pro racers in
the TdF. I think I do the same thing with a paddle. I have zero problems
with shoulder pain but lots of problems with arthritis in my hands. Another
reason for the muthah-ship.

I like a wing paddle because when it's used in combination with a kayak that
glides well (like most of the Mariners and especially the Mariner II) I can
paddle 33% fewer strokes and still keep ahead of most kayakers. Very
relaxing. :P   I just wish I had a lighter wing (like an Onno).

And ya... don't lose the paddle you love if the guy who built it sold the
company to a competitor that only wanted to shut down his line. If you have
a Lightning in graphite (especially a 2-piece at 200cm) call me. :)


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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Received on Thu Jul 16 2009 - 18:11:01 PDT

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