Message-Id: <l03130305b09a03058c95@[205.216.99.38]>
In-Reply-To: <199711201433.JAA27367@mailhost.capecod.net>
Date: Thu, 20 Nov 1997 11:17:07 -0400
To: baidarka@lists.intelenet.net
From: "Craig O'Donnell" <dadadata@friend.ly.net>
Subject: Re: bow paddle: some technology, no science.
>There is very little twist and that is because the loom is laminated and
>not round. It is more rectangular with rounded edges. Therefore the twist
>of the loom is reduced by the cross section and the bow of the loom. You
>can make the loom any cross section you wish. The weight of the paddle is
>not a major factor because you are using more of your biceps which can
>handle more weight without notice.
>
>Bill
This is a nice idea. It might be good to encourage people to experiment
with the amount-of-bow until they get something that is comfortable.
I suppose a wacky construction would get you in the ballpark: cut a
standard paddle in the middle and make a bolt-on section of straight
material to approximate the bow. Wingnuts for varying angles.
Having been through the RSI mill, if you're going to bother with more
ergonomic designs, do the right thing and try to get something that's
suited to you **as exactly as possible**. The main problem with office
equiment is that it's designed for a nonexistent hypothetical average
person. No such beast. Customization is important.
Another thing which might help - it has belped me a bit and my sister
(works for IBM as a programmer) is a book called "The Alexander Technique"
- you can also go to a practitioner of this school of muscular therapy if
you want but there are good guidelines in the book. It's mainly a
body-awareness thing. You can't win a contest which is you versus your
muscles.
Finally.... many RSI reserachers have pointed out that the chair is the
root of many problems, esp if it isn't extremely adjustable. People aren't
designed to sit. Stand, yes, squat, but not sit a-la-office.
So while I can't give many specifics, keep messing with your seating
arrangement, since that will greatly affect your wrists and arms. Remember
that your paddling should be coming from shoulders and back, not forearms.
If you're fighting to hold your torso in a comfortable position, those
muscles aren't helping you paddle. Flex in legs being very important.
Craig O'Donnell
The Proa FAQ <http://www.cyber-dyne.com/~jkohnen/proafaq.html>
The Cheap Pages <http://www.friend.ly.net/user-homepages/d/dadadata/>
_________________________________
-- Professor of Boatology
-- Junkomologist
-- Macintosh kinda guy
I sure miss my cat, Wanda.
_________________________________