Message-Id: <199611201733.JAA29071@ns1.intelenet.net>
From: Wolfgang Brinck <wolfgang.brinck@hksystems.com>
Subject: Re: Aleut Paddle
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
Date: Wed, 20 Nov 96 11:29:26 CST
In-Reply-To: <32927C46.16@lightspeed.net>; from "Patterson" at Nov 19, 96 7:34 pm
>
>
> I feel it is a small step to use a 'period' paddle. I can find info on
> greenaland paddles and several types of canoe paddles from the north
> west. Several old photos show paddles made from sticks with small rounded
> blades.
>
> I'll figure it out. It seems to me that a paddle is a much smaller step
> than many of you are taking. I look with some trepidation at the
> prospect of building a Biadarka.
>
> Bill
>
I don't know if this counts as anthropometrics, but here are some
practical guidelines for making paddles. The Greenland rule was that
the paddle should reach the second knuckle of your middle finger when
you hold your hand over your head.
Baidarkas have a ridged deck, so you hold your paddle a little higher than you
would in a Greenland kayak. Also, if your boat is wider, then you tend
paddle more comfortably with a slightly longer paddle.
The ends of the blades on Greenland paddles were about 3 1/2 inches wide.
This worked out well for doing extended paddle rolls because this width
comfortably fits the hand of a paddler wearing mittens.
Aleut paddlers were supposedly quite powerful, which one would expect
from someone who paddles a lot. So the average casual recreational
paddler should keep this in mind when selecting blade width. Generally,
smaller blade width makes for a faster paddling cadence and less
fatigue on longer trips. Wider paddles give you more grip on the
water but also are tiresome in a headwind.
In summary, I would say that you need to develop your own
anthropometrics based on the boat you paddle, the conditions
you paddle in and your own size.
--
wolfgang. /|
brinck@h / oo wolf
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