Subject: Re: [baidarka] baidarka speeds
From: Peter Chopelas (pac@premier1.net)
Date: Mon Oct 04 2004 - 21:35:53 EDT
>. I make my own paddles, and I paddle
> with them. I observe them in action, I take photos, and I try to
> describe what I observe. If your understanding works for you, then I
> suggest you go make some paddles and test your ideas. I am simply
> using the best words I know to describe what I see. <snip> Werner and I
were having a discussion the other day about learning, about appreciating
what it is like to be able to observe things in
> motion around us and NOT form opinions about it.
Jim,
The problem with what you state is that IF you do NOT understand what you
are observing, you will likely reach incorrect conclusions (or "opinions")
about what you see. It is okay to say 'I find I like a paddle like this';
it is stating a simple opinion, and there is no right or wrong answer. But
when you make statements like "lift is not a factor in a paddle" you are
reaching a conclusion you can not possibly know for certain, nor equipped to
defend. It is not a fact, and it is frankly not even a good opinion. As I
have told you before, fluid mechanics is not intuitively obvious, and it is
not easy to understand until you grind your way though the theory first, and
then do controlled tests to verify it, before you can reach any kind of
educated conclusion (even then sometimes even "experts" make errors).
For the benefit of others reading this thread, Jim and I have known each
other for a number of years. We have paddled together a few times, I've
been to his house when he lived in Everett WA. Jim has even met my wife and
kids, and we have had a number of conversation on this topic in person in
the past. I do not take anything he write personally and I hope he does not
take anything I post personally. I simply hope that repeating it maybe he
will eventually learn it correctly [I just find it a bit frustrating that
after all these years he continues to make such statements, and not take
anything I've told him seriously]. Oh-well, perhaps there is a mental leap
required that is not so easily bridged.
Jim, if any of my work takes me up to Anacortes while you are still there, I
will drop by and see you in person at Cory's place to see what your building
now.
Peter
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