Subject: RE: [baidarka] greenland-style paddling vs aleut-style paddling
From: Greg Stamer (gstamer@earthlink.net)
Date: Wed Apr 12 2006 - 14:48:12 EDT
>All the descriptions about the mechanics of the Greenland paddle can be
>very misleading/confusing - particularly to those who don't already use
>them. Gets people way over-thinking about it. The cant angle being the
>most problematic and over emphasized aspect I think.
Kris,
IMO, the confusion is already there and I'm happy to learn as much as the Greenlanders are willing to share. Without some description most people try to use whatever technique they are already accustomed to using, with a Greenland paddle. Fortunately there's enough overlap that some people listen to what the blade tells them and they discover how to make the paddle perform. Sadly, in many cases the paddle (which often is not sized correctly at all) is used for a few weak strokes, and then cast aside for something more familiar.
>The cant is not something you have to do really. It's a natural result
>of the grip on the shoulders/blade root. If you hold it as intended -
>comfortably (thumb and forefinger around loom, blade root filling palm)
>- the blade is already tilted. The cant just happens, and develops along
>with the rest of your technique as you learn to feel what's going on
>throughout the stroke as the miles add up.
I'd say that you are correct *assuming* that you have a paddle that is a good fit for you and that you let it happen. This may require you to "unlearn" some commonly taught beliefs that are very firmly ingrained. (e.g. ignoring the common advice that you must extract the paddle early on the exit, that your upper hand should not cross over the centerline of the kayak on a forward stroke, etc). It is usually much easier to learn something fresh than it is to change old habits. Sadly, a poor paddle fit is still very common, and some of the commercial offerings still leave a lot to be desired -- although there are some notable exceptions. As you have indicated, the paddle won't cant naturally unless your fingers drape naturally over the roots of the blades.
It took me years to find the right paddle-length and feather angle when I used feathered spoon blades and it took me almost as long to find the right paddle fit when I fell in love with traditional gear. I'd say the fit with a Greenland paddle is even more critical than a wing (especially with regards to the loom length and paddle shoulders).
There is some information on paddle mechanics on the Qajaq USA site at http://www.qajaqusa.org/Technique/Technique.html .
Greg Stamer
-- Baidarka Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside Baidarka or Baidarka archives without author's permission Submissions: baidarka@paddlewise.net Subscriptions: baidarka-request@paddlewise.net Searchable archive: http://rtpnet.org/robroy/baidarka
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b27 : Mon May 01 2006 - 01:00:02 EDT