On 24-Aug-2005, PG wrote:

It took several weeks before I felt comfortable
with the new stride, but once I "got it", I covered more ground faster,
with less fatigue and muscle strain.

I was thinking of a running analogy when I answered, and I know from many
years ago when I ran that running at an "off pace" was more tiring than
running at my own pace. Hence, paddle at your own pace.

Now that I have taken up kayak touring, I'm asking whether a slower
cadence, with a longer power stroke is better than a shorter,
higher-cadence power stroke, or whether a low-power but high-cadence
stroke (as with a greenland paddle, I guess) will give me the ability to
paddle all day, cover long distances, but be able to actually enjoy the
area I'm paddling through from beginning to end.

Now this is a slightly different way of asking and the answer is - I don't
honestly know. First of all - when using a Greenland style or a Euro, I
find I use the same candence. Regardless of which paddle I use, I end
up going the same speed as the others I paddle with. I'm not sure why
so many folks consider the GP as requiring a faster cadence.

I prefer a slower cadence so that I use a full rotation. Keeping that
rotation with a fast cadence may be more efficient, but it would mean
going faster, which would be exhausting. Increasing the tempo without
increasing the speed would mean shortening the rotation. That wouldn't
mean using more arm power, just less torso power per stroke.

In terms of the degree to which the paddle blade draws or sweeps, a
shorter stroke, with a catch not so far forward and an exit not so
far aft would add less turning to the kayak and more of the work would
result in forward motion. That along with the higher tempo would
sound more efficient. (More significant with a low stroke than with
a high stroke).

However, it still remains that the most efficient is not necessarily the
least energy use. It may be more efficient to go fast but that may require
output that takes the fun out of kayaking. Similarly, if the most efficient
is too slow, you won't get anywhere.

I'm not aware of anyone really doing any meaningful tests of kayakers in
non-racing (i.e. 500m - 1km sprints) conditions. There's been a lot of
talk, but no data.

Mike