: I am hoping to get some feedback on sizing the loom for a Greenland paddle. I
: have the recommended sizing methods from the 'experts', (thanks to Ross
: Leidy's great webpage !) , but I hope to hear from some people who have
: built/used this paddle. My question is, how do you find the narrower grip?
: I see that the 'correct' grip is to hold the shoulder with the OK formed
: by the thumb and first finger, but wonder how many of you find this
: comfortable, or do you tend to wish you had made the loom a bit longer to
: allow both hands to fit within the length of the loom itself? I have never
: tried one, but wonder if I would find it more comfortable with the outside
: of my hands at the shoulders. I will be gluing up the blank in the next
: day or two and would like to hear any comments, one way or the other.

I built mine so that the actual loom measured the same as the distance between the middle and ring fingers of each hand, when sitting with my arms bent, in a relaxed position, elbows touching my sides slightly - basically so my hands were at shoulder width (my shoulder, not the paddles, although it works out the same ;-) ) In paddling position, this puts the last two fingers of each hand on the shoulder of the paddle, and the index and middle fingers on the actual loom. Couple this with the oval shaped loom, and I always know when my hands are in the right position, and it is quite comfortable. The longer loom isn't necessary. This is a very comfortable cruising position on the paddle, where your grip should be very relaxed. If you need more leverage or power for other maneuvers or conditions, you can use a slide stroke, or anything else where you move one hand out onto the blade to get more leverage. I just love carving turns with one hand gripped over the end of one blade extending the paddle for a huge sweep. Add a little edging, and even the most unresponsive boat can be turned.

Hope this helps, Chris