The Supportive Forward Sweep Stroke
http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?157
Good Article on the Sweep Stroke from Paddling.Net
Moderator: Chip
Good Article on the Sweep Stroke from Paddling.Net
P&H Quest LV - Yellow/white/blue
I have looked at this website for a number of good articles. The supportive sweep stroke enforces the idea that each stroke is not only propulsive but supportive. Leaning in every stroke shortens the amount of boat in contact with the water, that cuts back on friction and therefore you get more out of the stroke.
What I learned from Doug Lowry and Roger Crawford was the first 2/3rds of the forward stroke, from entry point to about hip distance is propulsive, the last 1/3rd, from the hip to where you pull it out is directional (steering). Also the wider you sweep, the more complete the turn.
I have seen some people lean on every stroke. That may be excessive, but it may work. The supportive sweep stroke also emphasizes the idea of using your foot paddle to strenghten your stroke.
I like this website.
What I learned from Doug Lowry and Roger Crawford was the first 2/3rds of the forward stroke, from entry point to about hip distance is propulsive, the last 1/3rd, from the hip to where you pull it out is directional (steering). Also the wider you sweep, the more complete the turn.
I have seen some people lean on every stroke. That may be excessive, but it may work. The supportive sweep stroke also emphasizes the idea of using your foot paddle to strenghten your stroke.
I like this website.
Carolina Perception 14.5
Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
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Leaning in every stroke shortens the amount of boat in contact with the water, that cuts back on friction and therefore you get more out of the stroke.
This is not necessarily true. It depends on the design and shape of your boat. If your boat is shaped such that the Length at the Waterline is shortened when you lean, than you may be getting less out of your stroke.
All things being equal, a longer boat is faster than a shorter boat:
Hull Speed = 1.34 * (LWL)1/2
Therefore if you are shortening the length of your boat at the waterline by leaning, the result is a slower boat.
I was actually playing around with this on my way back from the Spit the last time we were out there. My boat wasn't tracking as well as I would have liked it too in the river but I didn't want to put the skeg down. I started leaning a little with each stroke and cause my boat to move in a slight zig zag but stayed basically on course. This wasn't the most comfortable way to paddle but I guess it was better then constantly making corrective strokes.
P&H Quest LV - Yellow/white/blue
Okay, here's another hypothesis.
When you lean, you are "changing" the shape of your keel from straight to curved. You are using the curved gunwhale(?) chine(?) instead of your bottom keel. That is why you turn easier.
But then, the curved length of your boat in contact with the water would be longer than the straight keel.
Steve says
Ergo, a longer curved keel is faster than a shorter staight keel.
But that doesn't take in account lost centripital forces, does it?
When you lean, you are "changing" the shape of your keel from straight to curved. You are using the curved gunwhale(?) chine(?) instead of your bottom keel. That is why you turn easier.
But then, the curved length of your boat in contact with the water would be longer than the straight keel.
Steve says
All things being equal, a longer boat is faster than a shorter boat
Ergo, a longer curved keel is faster than a shorter staight keel.
But that doesn't take in account lost centripital forces, does it?
Carolina Perception 14.5
Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
Wilderness Systems Tempest 170
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- Posts: 751
- Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 11:51 am
- Location: Marshfield
- Contact:
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- Posts: 751
- Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 11:51 am
- Location: Marshfield
- Contact: