"roo" wrote in message
om...
Hi All

I did a quick archive search but found nothing too useful. If anyone
could point me in the right direction that would be great.....

I've been getting a lot of comments recently about the size of my
paddle blades. They've been ground down considerably since 1998 and
instead of a symmetric blade shape they are now very similar to a
shrunk kinetic shape.

(This is only because I use my paddles the same way round all the
time. They were any orientation paddles, but luckily I kept using
them the same way and avoided ending up with very expensive cocktail
sticks!)

So enlighten me to the pros and cons of different blade sizes.....

I assume it's a relative assessment, but...

Large blades provide more power, but give a higher chance of injury?

Small blades allow/require a higher stroke rate for equivalent large
blade propulsion?

Is the size irrelevant, because all that is required is enough
friction to plant the blade and pull yourself past the shaft?

Should I buy some new paddles with normal sized blades?

I await your informed replies.
hf

Not an expert - so sorry for the basic knowledge, and any egg-suck teaching
going on, but:
1. Longer shaft, Longer, rounder blades = less turbulence in the water =
less power, less drag = more efficient for long distances and smooth easy
strokes. Also, they tend to be less sturdy, possibly offer less support, and
are more likely to be smacked/broken on rocks, so unsuited to shallow/white
water. Best for long distances.
2. Shorter shaft, shorter squarer blades = more turbulence = more power,
more drag = better for short distances, and powerful, controlled strokes.
However, less efficient for long distances. Suited to white water, but not
marathon/touring.

Some open Canoe paddlers I know take both and change depending upon the
stretch of water - but clearly this isn't a luxury offered to those in
Kayaks!

Ken.