In article , Nidge
wrote:
I've found blades that'r too small rip through the water without letting
you get proper drive ..... bit like a car having a slipping clutch - it
does go forward but wastes a load of power.

At the other end of the scale too big a blade just digs in and grips so
tight there's virtually no give at all except a tiny bit of spring in the
shaft. That sounds OK but it really loads your shoulders. I tried a set
of DB RVXs and found I got good accelaration but my shoulders took too much
hammer whilst the slightly smaller RVX accelerators were way nicer.

I can't see how there'd be a formula. Too many variables key ones including
your weight, size, strength and the quality of your joints.


....and the biggest variable of all - technique.

I would suggest that, if a small blade slips, you are using drag and
development of a technique that incorporates hydrodynamic lift would be a
great benefit...

Having said all that, it is odd that most paddlers accept the 'one size fits
all' approach to blade size.

BTW, a similar discussion is taking place on the rowing ng.



Allan Bennett
Not a fan of cross posting

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