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Re: Strip: Making a paddle
By:Alex Ferguson
Date: 6/1/2016, 11:25 pm
In Response To: Strip: Making a paddle (Shawn Jones)

[p]Bending Branches flberglass/nylon blade and carbon shaft paddles. They are a bit heavy and noisy. I recently bought a Werner Callista bent shaft. I love how light it is, but unless you hold it firm during a power stroke, it flutters.[/p]
A paddle never flutters if used properly. I usually use a Greenland and, like a Wing, it is the outward part of the stroke that makes sure you are not getting flutter and gives the "grip" on the water. I paddle with an open hand stroke, the thumb is used to stop the paddle falling on the deck.

The outward part of the stroke is because you are using your body to produce the power, not power from bending your elbows and pulling straight back.

You said heavy. How heavy? a GP can be made to 800 g and less. Once the blade is in the water the weight is zero.

How long are your paddles? I'd be surprised if you would ever need longer than 210 cm.

Messages In This Thread

Strip: Making a paddle
Shawn Jones -- 6/1/2016, 1:49 pm
Re: Strip: Making a paddle
John Messinger -- 6/1/2016, 3:12 pm
Re: Strip: Making a paddle
Shawn Jones -- 6/3/2016, 12:26 am
Re: Strip: Making a paddle
Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks -- 6/1/2016, 7:00 pm
Re: Strip: Making a paddle
Alex Ferguson -- 6/1/2016, 11:25 pm