Subject: Re: baidarka Paddle Length
From: Harvey Golden (qayaq@pacifier.com)
Date: Sat Apr 22 2000 - 09:22:38 EDT
Dear Mark and all,
I've used such a paddle (11'6" Long, 2-1/2" wide blades.) . . . I think key
to its being used properly is using it in the proper kayak. (Football
helmets are very clumsy in Basketball games-- but they do the job in
football.)
The kayaks they were used with are truly unique: East Canadian kayaks
paddle very differently than pretty much every other type of kayak, both old
and modern. They typically have have large skeg-like bows, are fairly wide
(22"-31") and occasionally very heavy-- as much as 145#.
I've found that the long thin paddles are especially well suited for these
kayaks. They give extraordinary control, speed, and ease of use. These
kayaks are extremely difficult to paddle, despite their appearance of being
comfy-stable lounge-around-barges. In skilled hands they are very seaworthy
and fast.
Its a paddle I'd highly recommend-- there's much to learn from it. Use it in
the right kayak, though, or else you'll find yourself criticizing a good
paddle unneccessarily.
In terms of the paddle being clumsy. . . stay on waterways wider than 12',
and you'll be fine!
Harvey
Pictures of the paddle and kayaks on www.pacifier.com/~qayaq
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Starr <marks@mystic.org>
To: <baidarka@lists.intelenet.net>
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2000 7:27 AM
Subject: Re: baidarka Paddle Length
> In looking at Hutchenson's book The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking, page
166
> and 167, plate #25 and #26, there are paddles that appear to run between
> ten to twelve feet long, with perhaps 3" to 3.5" blade widths. The boats
> and paddles are from Labrador. Has anyone on the server ever made or used
> one of these? I think I will build one this weekend to try, but wondered
> if there was any current experience with these monsters?
> Thanks for any input in advance!
> Sincerely,
> Mark Starr
>
> Mark Starr
> Documentation Shop
> H.B. duPont Preservation Shipyard
>
> Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc
> 75 Greenmanville Avenue
> Mystic CT 06355-0990
> Tel: (860) 572-0711 extension 5092
> E-mail: marks@mysticseaport.org
>
>
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