Date: Wed, 15 Mar 95 09:49:17 -0700
From: Bill Blohm <bblohm@hpbs1686.boi.hp.com>
Message-Id: <9503151649.AA17311@hpbs1686.boi.hp.com>
To: baidarka@imagelan.com
Subject: Re: Traditional Paddles new thoughts
> I have become convinced that the lowered wind resistance of the atributed to
> the narrower blade is a red herring. I typed the paddle dimensions on pg 16
OK, I'll grant that. Your arguement is pretty impressive against this having
any real effect.
> area. Another factor affecting the paddling cadence is the effective length
> of the paddle. This will be related to the location of the center of effort
> of the paddle which should be near the geometric center of the blade.
> Distance from center of shaft to geometric center of blade:
> Z: 33 in
> N: 39 in
I think I might see a possible error here. I think the idea is good, but
do you take into account the height of the paddler? For example, I don't
know your height, but let's say you are 6' tall, and use N. Now take one
of the old Aleuts, what was his height? Now with him using Z, which of you
hasmthe longer paddle, WRT your height? Or do they now have the same
effective length? This will modify the angle of attack somewhat in touring
paddling, IMHO of course. There is more power in a sweep stroke, for example,
than in a stroke performed close to the hull. That's why I think perhaps you
need to also factor in the heights of the paddler as well as the lengths of
the paddles to have a valid comparision. Make any sense to anyone else?
I'm not going to even try touching cadence...I don't know enough! I just
settle into a rhythm I can maintain all day and let it go at that. :-)
Bill B.