Re: [Paddlewise] bracing and power

I have only limited experience with a very long paddle; Pam has one she
managed to collect and, frankly, we both think it's a dog. But that could
just be that one paddle. There is no question that some Inuit used very long
paddles and since it's easier to make a shorter paddle than a longer one
they must have had some reason.

We bring so much baggage along with us when we're presented with a
philosophy that might be new to us. I know that when I moved back into sea
kayaking from white water kayaking I was dismayed at how long it took me to
get used to the differences. W/w boats tend to be wide and have excellent
primary stability; many experienced w/w paddlers paddle very short, very
wide playboats. Imagine my surprise to find that some of the best sea kayak
paddlers paddle relatively long, very narrow (and very twitchy) playboats.
W/w kayakers sit with their legs splayed out and knees firmly up under the
deck and against the gunwales... almost locked in with a ratcheting
backband. Sea kayakers often sit with their legs almost straight. How they
achieve edge control is - at least to me - a complete mystery.

It was a revelation to me when Doug Lloyd said that his interpretation of a
"responsive" kayak was one that moved from edge-to-edge quickly. My
interpretation of a "responsive" kayak was one that maneuvered easily and
quickly.

The sport - and the pursuit of the sport - is in a continual state of flux.
Sometimes it's subtle like the current movement to slightly shorter paddles.
Sometimes it's blatant like surf kayaks.

Is a very long paddle in my future? Probably not. I'm having my own
difficulties handling a 6-1/2 foot GP; it's going to be a long time before I
give up my Lightning; or even the wing. Is it in your future? Maybe. All you
need is a long 2x4 in cedar and an afternoon to find out.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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