Re: [Paddlewise] bracing and power

On Wed, Jul 14, 2010 at 8:22 PM, <rcgibbert_at_aol.com> wrote:

>
> Dynamic stability is not dependent upon which direction features come from,
> be it beam, stern or bow. It is what it says it is, stability in dynamic
> environments by actually paddling and utilizing water features, not bracing
> and losing momentum,


I guess "dynamic stability" is the new way of saying "keep a paddle in the
water". No question in my mind about how effective it is. Plus it's the
easiest thing to teach a new paddler. "Keep paddling... don't stop
paddling."


> especially with an overly long lever that offers slower cadence and the
> ability for the water to catch up and control you.


Since I've never used a "long" paddle (220 is the longest I have regularly
used) I can't argue one way or another. But I think that a long lever arm
might be an advantage in some circumstances as long as the weight is kept
under control and the paddler has developed a skillset that is capable of
utilizing that type of paddle properly.

>
>   A long paddle, relying on reactive techniques would truly have sucked.
>

Probably so... and probably so for many others as well. But in the hands of
someone experienced with that type of paddle and that technique, perhaps
not.

Arguing from one's own personal experience against something you are not,
yourself, familiar with is just going to rehash all the prejudices people
have all over again. Short paddles versus longer paddles, bent shafts versus
straight shafts, euro paddles versus Greenland paddles, Brit boats versus
all the others, etc.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is plenty of evidence of
the use of very long paddles among the Inuit plus some pretty decent
paddlers here on Paddlewise.seem to have no problems with them. Perhaps this
is an untapped niche in the sport. No one says you *must* try a longer
paddle; if you are happy with what you are using then more power to ya. But
it would be very interesting if very long paddles turn out to be the fad of
the future in the same way GPs and SOF boats have over the past few years.

Maybe if a few short-paddle users try Chuck's technique and report back we
could get some better perspective. Until then I'm keeping an open mind.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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