Subject: [baidarka] Fw: Superiority of Native paddles
From: MICHAEL SILVIUS (m.silvius@worldnet.att.net)
Date: Thu Jun 21 2001 - 18:25:35 EDT
I know that all this is in the name of epistemological plurality, but:
airfoils, lift, drag, aspect ratio, efficiency. on and on, verry
entertaining!
though-----even being a pilot and all-----
the formulas kind of boggle the mind, and I don't mean to rain on anyones
parade. But, contrary to popular belief the only thing that truly provides
reduced drag, gravity defying flight, and actual lift is the ultimate
common
denominator; the old $$$$$$, dosh, dinero, rubbles, pesos, mullah etc.
And that is first hand experience!
Consequently let's insert then the following formula in to the equation:
Most amount of fun + least amonut of money spent = best efficiency.
And I'm not sure what book you'll find that one in!!
( no disrespect to Mr:Von Mises.)
Save the money and get yourself a dry suit and extend your paddling season.
Dry suits of cource not lending themselves readily to home building.
Frankly, the fellow sitting in his igloo, tepee, or what have you was just
making due with what was at hand. A piece of drift wood, a couple of crude
tools and he made a paddle. It didn't work to his liking! He made the next
better and improved model. This time he was able to catch up with that
seal
and actually procur for himself some dinner, keep the wife and kids happy
and fed, and consequently be rewarded when the " lights were turned out".
On that vein: 5$ at your local lumber yard, or if you don't object, the
big corporate thing, your local Home Depot, will buy you a nice clear, red
cedar, eight foot long 2X4. (2$ and an hour of picking through the binn
will get you a nice knot free, clear, kiln dried spruce). You draw a
likely design perhaps copied from H C Petersens books, or Gail Ferris's
contributions. Possibly a combination of several different designs. A
couple of minutes and you rough out the profile on your basement table
saw, and spend a lovely couple of hours with your block plane in the
sunshine,
on your front stoop, making a delightfuly shaped paddle. It will provide
great pride and the admiration of friends and strangers alike. Might even
help you make a new friend!!
While carving your paddle you'l make a nice pile of shavings which you can
later use in your smoke box to produce perhaps some delicious smoked
salmon??
Ok, so you bought the fresh salmon at the local supermarket, but mother
will
be just as happy. get the drift??
Now thats what I call efficiency!!!
Cheers: Michael Portland, Maine
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