RE: [Paddlewise] Paddle length

On Saturday, 18 July 2009 01:41, Craig Jungers <pdh_at_mmcl.co.nz> wrote:

 

> my GP (and maybe its my own fault) has given the term "flutter" a whole
new definition

 

I am not going to put my neck out too far here... I'm sure there are more
expert GP enthusiasts on Paddlewise.

 

Seven of us in NZ got seriously interested in GPs about 5 years ago, when we
had our noses rubbed in their capabilities by a roving fella from Montana
(Shawn, you have a lot to answer for). We built some, used them, built
others and compared notes. Two years later, we were lucky enough to get some
input from Cherie, Greg & Turner - but we've probably managed to distil our
very own set of bad habits and misconceptions. But we're all still using
them and the number using them has grown.

 

We found that the 'correct' size (according to Holst & Heath) seemed ideal
for a low-volume rolling SoF, but that we enjoyed a somewhat longer GP for a
more conventional composite sea kayak. This was especially true for use in a
double. Of course, I also used to find that true when I used a Euro paddle
in a double - I'd extend my centre lock a bit.

 

The idea that sitting higher and in a wider boat begged for a longer paddle,
grew on us.

 

As we learned to use the GPs, most of us took a month of paddling (say 10-20
hours) to feel we were getting some skill. During this period, we steadily
reduced the flutter and 'grumbling' of our GPs. As I got the technique
better in the single, I could detect a major step backwards when I jumped
into the double - so I decided to make a longer paddle for use in the
double. That worked well and then one day, when I tried it in the single,
all the residual grumble went away and I settled on it as an improvement.

 

My first paddle was 2300mm (96.1") and when I went longer I added 100mm to
each end - to give 2500 (98.4"). There was nothing magic (or engineered)
about the 100mm, I just decided to make it 'significantly' longer and then
trim it back until I found a 'sweet spot.' I've never trimmed it back and
all my subsequent paddles (lighter ones, stronger ones, hollow ones, splits
- I've played around some) have remained at that length.

 

Natasha took longer to get interested in a GP and never liked her 'correct'
length one much. She has used (and loved) the longer version for about 4
years and some serious mileage.

 

Later, looking at the paddles in the Peterborough (Canada) museum - and in
various books - I can see that the range of paddle length is huge. Perhaps
it's fair to say that the longer they are, the narrower they seem to be. But
I'm not expert on why.

 

I find that my long paddle is very good for racing (say 2 hours) and good
for touring (say 12 hours). It punches out better through surf (where I feel
the GP is least effective) and starts to make my shoulders ache going into a
headwind. Probably no surprises here - and likely paralleled in the world of
euro blades.

 

If you don't mind playing around with your GP, I'd suggest gluing a 50mm
extension onto each end and going for a blast.

 

Best Regards

Paul Hayward, Auckland, New Zealand
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