Subject: RE: [baidarka] Wooden Boat magazine article
From: Kris Buttermore (kbuttermore@forwardindustries.com)
Date: Wed May 10 2006 - 11:58:19 EDT
There was some discussion of Mike's Longbow paddles on QajaqUSA
recently.
Being curious I'd like to try one - and I'm sure I could move a boat OK
with one - but think it unlikely to be my cup o' tea. Kudos for
experimenting and trying to do something new, but personally I prefer a
stiff paddle to transfer power how and when I want with less loss. Some
argue the flex returns the energy at the end of the stroke - but guess I
just I don't paddle that slowly or let off the power enough in the last
half of the stroke for the spring to release while still at an effective
place in the water.
Both Greenland and Aleut blades have structural features that are there
to add rigidity. None seem designed to flex in any significant way, and
what flex that is there is a variable and simply a property inherent in
the material.
Many modern/commercial re-interpretations of traditional paddle forms
seem to focus too much on the "long and thin" and not enough on the
complexity of the forms and why they are that way. Many also miss how
the paddles interface with the hand - and end up making what amount to
long narrow bladed double ended canoe paddles. Calling them Greenland
style paddles is a stretch. I can think of a quite a few examples (wood
and glass), most very nicely made.
Mike makes a point on his site of distinguishing his as Greenland
inspired - and a new type - and not true Greenland paddles, but others
selling them for him (CLC) do not.
http://www.longbowpaddles.com/
http://www.clcboats.com/paddles.php (scroll down to "Longbow Greenland
Paddles")
Kris Buttermore
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