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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Don't know
Posted By: Mick In Response To: I'm begging the question (Shawn Baker)
Date: Monday, 11 August 2003, at 1:22 a.m.
: If playboat paddle manufacturers (and paddlers) are going to 15 degrees, why
: not just drop to zero? 15º does very little for you.: Shawn
I don't know. I guess it's conservatism... we're too conservative to go from 45 to zero in one step ? Also I suppose manufacturers and shops cater to perceived market demand.
Oh, the 15 is not for any wind advantage, just some folks say it suits them best ergonomically.
I think Ken Whiting (former world freestyle champ) uses zero. As for me I'm considering "making" an adjustable feather paddle by cutting the paddle shaft in the middle, inserting a piece of wood, taping or lightly gluing it at various angles so I can experiment and then epoxy it when I'm happy.
I like the idea of zero for 'feeling' the current when I'm upside down in rapids... it should mean the current will 'feel' the same with both blades. Only thing is I suspect that if I have zero feather I should also have symmetrical blades. It doesn't make sense to me to have assymetrical blades with zero feather......

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