Perhaps this should be on the design or technique BB and not here, but I thought that those who understand Greenland paddles best are likely those who build them as well, so here goes. In reading about Greenland paddling technique, there are many references to the "dig angle" of the blade upon insertion into the water (i.e. the inclination of the top edge of the blade toward the bow of the boat as the blade enters the water). I've been trying to puzzle out the necessity of this angle -- is it purely an ergonomic aid (in other words, a technique used to help get the body and blade in the proper orientation for the power phase of the stroke), or is this angle in some way related to the hydrodynamic efficiency of the blade? I would suspect the later would be most likely the case, but would like some clarification on how exactly it benefits the stroke.

Much thanks, Nick