This is really interesting Mike, clears up a lot of questions and raises a few more.

Based on the 60-80 cycles per minute that bicycle racers use--because tests demonstrate this is the most efficient, I increased the cadence of my my paddle stroke. I'm consistently 70 per minute. This with a Euro Paddle 215 cm (84.6 inches), mostly vertical stroke, 23.5" wide kayak. A longer Euro paddle 230cm (90.75") I have makes me go faster. I can't keep as vertical--it also hurts my shoulders (I'll try it again now that I'm buffed up a bit more). Before my shoulder surgery that paddle caused a lot of chronic pain contributing to my need for an ACL repair.

The bones of Aleut paddlers apparently show they had the highest muscle development of any known population. The longer Aleut paddles might work the way my longer paddle seems to--greater leverage which results in greater speed of the paddle blade, (but greater stress on my shoulders)

When I used to paddle with a couple of speed demons, I noticed they were taking fewer strokes (this was when my stroke was horrible so there's a lot I wasn't qualified to observe), but I'm sure they were no where near 70 strokes per minute. What I also remember is that they took quick sharp strokes, gliding a bit before taking the next stroke. I know a paddle is suppose to stick in the water.... but subjectively from the cockpit it seems to me speed of that blade in the water is very important. My high cadence thing is secondary.

This and what you tell Mike give me a better understanding of the Aleut paddle. I'm guessing that blade speed is what's important. I should look for videos of people using Aleut paddles.
The puzzle for me is how to make a more vertical stroke with a longer paddle. (I googled for Aleut Paddling and couldn't find anything definitive. I did see a lot of guys slowly entering their SOF yaks. How about some more paddling shots? When I get around to making an SOF I'm going to make my coaming bigger. I'd like to spend more time paddling and less time getting in.)

Also the 25" loom of an Aleut paddle is interesting. I consistently use 28" on my euro-paddle and that's choking up a bit. It gives me speed but requires more muscle effort, and more arm movement. I've always had good rotation since I read about it in a book--later Jen Keck coached me how to properly connect it to my paddle. . . .

I guess I'll just have to make one and find out for myself. (I'm not completely goofing off, I just added a seal coat to the hull of my Mystery. 90 degrees perfect weather for epoxy.)

Will

Another
: The paddling style would be somewhat different, a more vertical,
: higher stroke than most GP use, the paddle following the hull,
: fairly deep. From memory (book larning) there's a slight pause
: between strokes, I use a similar style with my Carlisle and it's
: very good for cruising.
: