[Paddlewise] bracing and power

I think of the power stroke as just a type of brace that drives the boat.
Among the characteristics (I didn't say advantages here) of my long Euro
paddle is that I routinely have a low stroke rate. That means that I
effectively am in a "support" mode a larger percentage of the time relative
to a paddler with a high stroke rate. I can easily increase my stroke rate
by shortening the stroke. By this change, I can adjust which muscles are
working hardest. Going from sweep to full forward or even vertical for max
power are all just subtle changes in lean, entry angle. I keep my elbows
down unless full out racing. 

 

My 9-ft euro has a slightly smaller blade than my 8.5-ft Werner, but these
are equal in pulling power and yield identical stroke rates.

 

I noticed one of the books specifically indicates that the Greenland Paddles
are a continuum of lengths that go from short storm paddles to max 8-ft
standard Greenland configuration. My 8.5-ft Werner, 70 degree offset, left
hand control, is only another 6 inches. We are quibbling here on length.

 

The Greenland paddles of interest to me are those from the Polar Arctic
culture in Thule, Greenland. At least one illustration of that paddle can be
seen in Bark and Skin boats (Adney and Chapelle). My experience in teaching
rolling is that a Greenland paddle of any kind, 8 ft long, is the best
paddle out there to use for such teaching. It allows easy sculling, static
balance brace with just a very small foam float, allows all steps of the
roll to be isolated and done in slow motion so the student can understand
and practice the physical bending and timing for each part of the roll to
the rear deck.

 

My long paddle, importantly, allows me plenty of time to use maximum body
rotation and minimum arm pulling on each stroke. I think lots of paddlers
never really employ maximum effective rotation, driving the stroke starting
from the foot braces, because their little short strokes are over too
rapidly. Routine high stroke rate and rapid rotation left-right,
lft-rt,lft-rt, is just never going to be attractive to my 69-yr-old back and
shoulders. With my system, I force all my lazy, don't
want-to-be-involved-today, muscle groups to join in the fun!

 

Chuck Sutherland
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