Ewan Scott wrote:

Amongst the group that we paddle with all the paddles are 90 degree through
to 45 degree, one or two 30 degree, but I can't think of any who paddle with
flat paddles - ie with no feather at all

I've got a variable feather paddle for sea kayaking: I use it flat
if there's a following wind or no wind, and into the wind will set
it at about 70, or a bit less (back towards 60) if there's not too
much of a blow.

Traditional Greenland paddles are all flat, but OTOH they're much
narrower than typical modern paddles so it's less of an issue.

My river/surf paddle is 67. I do like paddling flat for the sake
of my wrists but in surf it's hard enough banging out through
breakers in a wee boat to start with, adding extra wind resistance
when the wind is almost always blowing on to the shore is just
adding salt to the wound!

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
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