|
Conditions
of Testing
I did
rolling and bracing trials with nine wooden Euro-style paddles
in a plastic whitewater slalom racing kayak in a swimming pool.
I tested all paddles in calm conditions in a Dagger Magellan
(22.5" beam). I also tested all paddles except the Malone,
Mitchell and Sawyer (which were not available at that phase
of testing) while paddling the Magellan or a Mariner II (21.5"
beam) in a 1025 knot wind with reflected waves and clapotis
of one to one-and-a-half feet, or wind waves of one to two feet.
Neither boat had a rudder or skeg. I made the assessments of
each paddle’s gunwale clearance in regard to the wider boat.
Since
personal preferences and physical build can unavoidably color
reviews, for the record, I am 6'1" and 155 pounds, and
I like a large grip, but a small enough blade so that I can
maintain a fairly high stroke rate. For long-distance paddling,
I prefer a paddle that has a low swing weight and that works
well with a low-angle stroke, so that my arms need be lifted
as little as possible. Low swing weight is more significant
to me than overall paddle weight, because the effort required
to move the blades through the cycle of the stroke consumes
more energy than merely supporting the paddle. For harder conditions,
I want a paddle that is as short as possible for a strong, high-angle
stroke, and that works well in sweep rolling.
|
